Fitness Expo in Abilene adds 3-on-3 basketball tournament

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be added to this year’s activities at the West Texas Sports and Fitness Expo, Feb. 4, at the Abilene Civic Center.

Teams, either male or female, can sign up for $75 per team for one of three age divisions — youth (12 and under), high school (16 and under) and open (any age). The open division will also offer coed competition.

The top two teams in each division will receive awards, and each division winner will receive T-shirts.

Teams have until Tuesday to register for the tournament.

Jon Smith, executive director of Abilene Youth Sports Authority, which is organizing the Expo, said at least one team from Austin has called to ask about the event.

This will be the seventh year for the Expo, he said.

“It’s a great family activity here in Abilene — something that’s indoors, where parents, grandparents and kids can be together and have fun,” Smith said. “It’s a lot of entertainment for families.”

Besides the tournament, other activities will include a virtual golf long-drive competition; a quarterback shootout (football throw); fast-pitch; and soccer and hockey shootouts. Athletes from high school to the Abilene Ruff Riders indoor football team will be available for autographs throughout the day.

“We’re excited to be out there,” said Joe Brannen, Ruff Riders coach. “A big thing for us, our ownership group and organization is that our players are out in the community. We want guys that are striving to be winners both on the field and out in the community.

“We’ll have four to six guys out there signing autographs and interacting with the fans.”

The event also serves as a kickoff for children to register for spring sports with AYSA.

A number of vendors featuring health and nutrition, sports leagues, sports information and sponsors will be on site throughout the day.

Doors open at 9 a.m., with events scheduled through 5 p.m. Cost is $2 per person. Children under 12 admitted for $1.

For more information or schedule of events, check at www.wtxsports-expo.com, or contact AYSA at 325-692-2972.