NoFo Kid Connect Returns to the Court
The annual NoFo Kid Connect basketball tournament is set to return to Greenport on July 25, bringing together more than 100 children for a day of competition and community.
Originating from nostalgic memories of 1990s Greenport summers, the event was co‑founded by Candace Hall and originally organized by Joanne “JoJo” Jackson, who helped lay the groundwork at the Third Street court.
The historic Third Street court, renamed in 2014 to honor four local residents who died young, has become a symbolic venue for the tournament, underscoring the town’s deep‑rooted basketball culture.
After a hiatus caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, the tournament was revived a year later, demonstrating resilience and the commitment of organizers and volunteers.
This year’s edition will feature games from noon to 6 p.m., colorful team T‑shirts, food vendors, a DJ, and a dance performance by the North Fork Academy of Dance, blending sport with local arts.
Candace Hall, who now serves as co‑founder and a driving force behind the event, expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support, noting that even modest donations keep the tournament afloat.
NoFo Kid Connect, now a nonprofit organization with official status in 2024, relies on community contributions to cover its annual operating costs of $2,500 to $3,500, ensuring participation for children aged 4 to 18.
While online registration has closed, parents can still sign up their children on the day of the tournament, reflecting the event’s open‑door approach.
Hall highlighted the tight‑knit nature of Greenport, emphasizing how the tournament not only showcases athletic talent but also reinforces the village’s spirit of togetherness.