Basketball players and fans of all sizes gathered for a good cause this weekend at Festus Claybon Park in Madisonville. Area nonprofit organization Light of Chance hosted the 33rd annual Dust Bowl Basketball Tournament to raise money for its free, after-school arts program.
The program, known as Breathe, provides free sessions for children in grades five-12 to develop creativity, engage in important issues and experience personal and social transformation through the arts, according to the Light of Chance website.
Light of Chance Executive Director Eric Logan explained how the tournament’s name came to pass.
“Dust Bowls have been held throughout the country for many years, especially in this area,” Logan said. “A lot of the time, the courts were dusty and dirty. As the wind blew, the dust would kick up. That’s why it’s called the Dust Bowl.”
“Last year, we were able to raise a few thousand dollars for our program,” he added. “It takes a lot to run it. The profit margins are really short.”
Baptist Health Madisonville was onsite providing free health screenings as spectators enjoyed the splash park, games and food vendors.
Light of Chance also hosted voter registration and school supply drives during the tournament.
A concert featuring internationally-known rhythm and blues, jazz and hip-hop artists was originally planned for Friday night. However, it was cancelled following concerns from city officials that the event would be too taxing on law enforcement officers and city infrastructure.
Parks officials cited concerns that the supply of electricity at Claybon Park would be insufficient.
Logan said he was assured by representatives of the performers that the electrical supply would suffice.
“We’re going to shoot for a concert next year,” he said. “I hope city officials are more supportive of it. We are considering other cities, where local government is more supportive. We love Madisonville and the people here, but our organization believes in continuous improvement. We want to continue to grow. It’s going to be really important to have local government’s support to grow.
“The whole premise that started Light of Chance was about exposing youth to people from the same neighborhoods and backgrounds who were able to achieve and live their dreams,” Logan continued.
Madisonville resident Silas Matchem Sr. said the tournament is beneficial to the area in many ways.
“The Dust Bowl not only provides an opportunity for the community to come out and play basketball,” Matchem said. “People can also receive a lot of services they wouldn’t normally be able to receive, like health screenings and free school supplies. This is the time of year where that stuff really matters, and Light of Chance provides that.”
Games and festivities will also take place today, beginning at 3 p.m., which will include free, back-to-school haircuts and styles, as well as a college fair.
To learn more about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.lightofchance.org.
Donations can also be mailed to Light of Chance, P.O. Box 1932, Madisonville, KY 42431.
Jenny Smith
Messenger Staff Writer
jsmith@the-messenger.com