Tournament fills Newport gyms

NEWPORT — Youth basketball took center stage in Newport last weekend as the community came together to host a large, multi-division tournament spanning all three school gyms Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29.

Newport Madness, as the first-time event is called, brought competition, camaraderie and excitement, as well some business to town.

“In a small community like ours, an event like Newport Madness has a disproportionate economic impact,” said Tim Chilcott, president of the Pend Oreille Sports Association, one of the event’s partners. “It brings thousands of dollars into local businesses in a single weekend, brings in competition our kids do not typically see, and allows us to reinvest in programs that create opportunities they would not otherwise have.”

Coordinated by Kristin and Will Hunt, the event brought included 33 teams across seven divisions, featuring boys’ and girls’ teams from third through eighth grade.

More than 300 players participated, with crowds of over 500 fans coming in to support their players.

Games were held at facilities across the Newport School District, allowing multiple contests to run simultaneously and keeping a steady flow of action for players and spectators alike.

In addition to POSA volunteers, Newport High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, the Newport School District and a strong group of parent volunteers who helped with everything from scorekeeping to concessions, partnered to make the event happen.

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The weekend provided young athletes an opportunity to compete, develop their skills and experience a tournament atmosphere close to home.

Teams from as far away as Oroville took part, creating a competitive environment while also emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork.

Organizers said the event would not have been possible without the collaboration between local organizations and volunteers. With dozens of games scheduled over the course of the weekend, coordination and community support played a key role in keeping things running smoothly. Organizers also thanked the Maws and Paws Booster Club for sponsoring the championship shirts awarded to each winning team in every division.

In addition to the action on the court, the tournament also brought a noticeable boost in activity to the area, with families traveling to Newport to support their teams. Local gyms remained busy throughout the day as fans moved between locations to catch games across different divisions.

That steady flow of visitors carried over into the rest of the community, giving local businesses a welcome uptick over the weekend. Restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores all saw increased traffic as families looked for a place to sit down between games or grab something quick on the go. Gas stations also stayed busy with teams and spectators coming and going throughout the day.

For many businesses, it turned into one of the busier weekends of the early spring season. Visitors from out of town often arrived early or stayed after their games, spending more time in Newport and supporting local shops and services while they were here.

It is a good reminder of the role events like this can play in a small community. Youth sports bring more than just competition. They bring people into town, support local businesses and give visitors a chance to experience everything Newport has to offer, organizers said.

For many of the young athletes, the tournament served as both a competitive experience and a chance to build confidence and camaraderie with teammates. For the community, it highlighted the continued importance of youth sports and the role they play in bringing people together.

With strong participation and turnout, organizers expressed appreciation for everyone involved and indicated interest in continuing to grow the event in future years.