The 10th annual Railyard Rims 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament took place in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, drawing 40 teams and generating $10,000 for the YMCA of Lincoln.
Community spirit on the court
The competition spanned adult and youth divisions, featuring co‑ed play that included a mixed team of exchange student August Pedersen and his host family, as well as the seventh‑grade trio known as the Funke Bunch.
Organizers highlighted the social atmosphere that Pedersen noted just days after his arrival, emphasizing how the event fostered connections among participants from different backgrounds.
Carson Rainforth, Bo Easley and Zach Funke formed the core of the Funke Bunch, a group that crafted their own jerseys to stand out on the court and to strengthen camaraderie.
A model for community sport
The fundraiser illustrates how grassroots tournaments can combine recreation with philanthropy, channeling resources directly into youth programs that might otherwise lack support.
Dani Bryant, executive director of the YMCA of Lincoln, praised the enthusiastic youth turnout and underscored that the proceeds will fund basketball leagues and swim lessons for local children.
Rainforth reflected on the tournament as a chance to reconnect with teammates outside the regular season, while the Funke Bunch stressed that enjoyment remained the primary goal despite competitive stakes.
With the success of this year’s event, planners hope to expand participation and continue the tradition of using sport as a catalyst for community development.