AHOSKIE – In an effort to help fund their annual youth-related programs, J.A.M. officials will conduct its inaugural basketball tournament here April 22-23 at the Hertford County High School gym.

J.A.M. is an Afterschool Tutorial Program and Summer Day Camp offered through New Ahoskie Missionary Baptist Church.

According to Charlie Morris, J.A.M. Tournament coordinator, the event will feature games from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, April 22 and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.

Admission is only $1 per person, per day. Concessions will be offered for sale.

There is a $150 per team entry fee (due on or before April 18). Tournament pairings will be determined on April 19 and based on the number of teams entered. Each team needs to provide jerseys, each with a number on the back.

Team rosters are limited to a maximum of 10 players plus one coach. If a team has a player/coach, the maximum number will be 11 players.

Each game will consist of two, 15-minute halves with a running clock up until the last two minutes of the game. The clock will only stop during time-outs.

Members of the tournament championship team will be awarded individual trophies. There will be an MVP trophy awarded.

To enter a team or learn more about the J.A.M. tournament, contact Morris at 252-862-5517 or 252-356-1168, ext. 3.

Proceeds generated from the tournament will help pay for the enrollment of children in J.A.M.’s Summer Day Camp. That camp is open to children between the ages of 5 to 16 and operates weekdays (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) for 72 days during the summer months. Last year’s camp attracted 82 youngsters; however, the waiting list had twice that many.

Dr. Harold Mitchell, retired president of Roanoke-Chowan Community College, serves as the Camp Director. He is assisted by 10 current or retired certified teachers who volunteer their expertise each day. There is no payroll as the adults provide their service as a “ministry” to the community.

Youngsters enrolled in the Summer Day Camp are served three meals per day. They are treated to educational field trips, the enhancement of their social skills and tutorials in math, reading and language arts.

To learn more about the J.A.M. Summer Day Camp, call 252-332-4367 or 252-642-3759.