Hoops and Dreams Project teaches kids lessons through sport

By WKTV News

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The 12th Annual Hoops and Dreams Project basketball tournament took place at the Parks and Rec center in Utica, Saturday.
The bi-annual tournament promoted the theme of "Let's aim for peace," and brought out local youth to compete while learning the importance of neighborhood safety and gun violence.
"The important thing is when people understand that they have a role, they have a purpose and they are valued," said project founder, Patrick Johnson. "We certainly engage people in a way that they see what their purpose is in making the community better."

Johnson also said that he wants Utica's youth to remember that every action has a consequence, and to behave in a manner that takes that into consideration. 

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