BOSTON, April 21, 2016—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley will join elected officials, community leaders, and more than 100 kids for a day of fun and fair play at UMass Boston tomorrow as his annual community basketball tournament hits the court once again.

Conley’s eighth annual Basketball for Peace tournament kicks off tomorrow morning at UMass Boston’s Clark Athletic Center in Dorchester.  The event offers players a day of safe, healthy, team-oriented fun with Suffolk prosecutors, victim witness advocates, civilian investigators, and special guests dedicated to improving the lives of young people.

Conley will be joined by former New England Patriot and Hot 96.9 personality Jermaine Wiggins during a mid-day speaking program.  This is Wiggins’ second year taking part in the event after he served as an honorary captain and received a Role Model Award at last year’s tournament.

This year, Conley has named Attorney General Maura Healey, State Representative Russell E. Holmes, Boston Police Deputy Superintendent Nora Baston, Mildred Avenue Community Center coordinator Jeffrey Jackson, Project RIGHT Inc. community coordinator Nicole Flynt, iRecover app creator and public health advocate Jack Kelly, violence prevention specialist Masika Gadson of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Greg Henning as honorary team captains and Role Model Award recipients.

Teams this year will represent the East Boston Youth Basketball League from Martin Pino Community Center, Bromley Heath Tenant Management Corporation, Catholic Charities Saint Peter’s Teen Center, Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Community Health Improvement in Charlestown, Elevate Boston, Project RIGHT Inc., and Revere Police Activity League.  Partner agencies Crystal Rock, Edward M. Kennedy Institute, UMass Boston, and New Balance will be honored at the tournament.  In addition, the Boston Celtics have partnered with Conley to help ensure the event’s success.

“Basketball for Peace offers young people the opportunity to take part in a healthy activity alongside kids from different neighborhoods and backgrounds.  The games are a fun, interactive way to teach youth about the importance of avoiding negative choices while giving kids the opportunity to build positive relationships with prosecutors, police, and other adults who are invested in their futures,” Conley said

The tournament will run from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow at 100 Morrissey Blvd. in Dorchester, with a speaking program and awards presentation taking place from noon to 1:30 p.m.  Media are invited to attend.

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