SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -The You’re Not Alone preseason basketball tournament wrapped up Saturday morning at the South End Community Center in Springfield.
The two-day basketball tournament offered a chance for local athletes to take the court ahead of the upcoming season and bring attention to the ongoing mental health crisis.
12 teams competed to raise money for mental health and suicide programs.
The event was organized by the captains of Belchertown High School’s varsity basketball team, who told Western Mass News the cause hits close to home.
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“We had a friend who took his own life about a year ago, so we wanted to do something that was close to us, which is basketball, and bring people from all these communities together who might have gone through a similar experience and spread awareness doing something we enjoy,” said Tyler McDonald, varsity captain.
Organizers add that it is important for everyone to know that we are all in this together.
“You can talk to people you wouldn’t think would understand, but they will, because everyone is affected in the same way,” said Ty Bogdanovich, varsity captain.
The tour was held in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you would like to make a donation, information can be found here.
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