by Samantha Dunn

SMITHFIELD
On Saturday, June 17, the Smithfield Police Department is hosting a Double Elimination basketball tournament as a charity fundraiser for Community Help in Progress. This partnership between the Smithfield Police Department and members of the local community works to help the public in multiple ways. The mission of CHIP is to “identify and apply problem-solving solutions, using prevention services, in partnership with the citizens, to improve the security and quality of life in the community.”

Currently, CHIP is working to send local youth to 4-H camp, at the Airfield 4-H Center in Wakefield. The Cops and Community Basketball Tournament is one way you can help these kids have a great summer. The tournament will be held at Smithfield High School, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending around 5 that evening. Teams are limited to 10 players, each 15 years of age and older. Registration is $125 per team and closes June 10. General admission is free, and we encourage everyone to come show support for CHIP.

The funds raised will go towards sending these great CHIP kids to camp. If you are interested in participating in the tournament, contact Sgt. Chris Meier at 357-3247, or email him at cmeier@smithfieldva.gov.

Team registrations are due by Thursday, June 1.

SAMANTHA DUNN, a 2014 graduate of Southampton Academy, is an intern with the 4-H in both Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. Contact her at 365-6258.