By Tamas Mondovics
It has been more than two decades since 20th Century Fox brought the world of 2 on 2 basketball to the big screen Hollywood style in the American sports comedy film, White Men Can’t Jump, starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.
While the film’s popularity expectedly faded into the past, its influence on the sport and those that take delight in playing it remains strong.
One of such fan is D-Take Sports Plus, Inc. President and Owner Jason Yates, who is extending an invitation to all basketball lovers to take part in a 2 on 2 basketball tournament and star studded sports festival scheduled for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 at the Florida Fairgrounds (Expo Hall).
The event, which Yates has been tirelessly working on planning and organizing for more than a year, appropriately called Double Take 2-on-2, is expecting an excess of 5,000 teams with 200,000 players and fans during the duration of the two-day tournament.
While the focus will be on the courts, event organizers promise plenty of excitement on the sidelines, including autographs from some of the stars of the sport thanks to the presence of major basketball celebrities like Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Austin Rivers, Dwyane Wade, Stephon Marbury, Randy Moss and Peter Warrick.
“Double-Take is an introductory indoor 2-on-2 basketball tournament with a family atmosphere and something for everyone,” Yates said. “This is a dream come true for me.”
Yates emphasized that Double-Take has in fact taken the basketball tournament one step further by taking the tourney indoors, offering cash awards to the winners of each division along with T-shirts and trophies.
“With the effort and enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers, Double-Take strives to create a dynamic community festival, transcending basketball through the celebration of athleticism, fair play and community involvement,” he said, adding that the event’s focus is sportsmanship, camaraderie and fun, while it allows for family and friends to support and cheer for their favorite team.
Teams will consist of four players (two starters and two alternates). The first 500 teams to register will be discounted to $400 per team ($100 per player). Every team registration fee after the first 500 will be at $1,000 per team ($250 per player).The cost of tickets are $10 for adult and $2 for child.
Registration forms must be completed on or before Wednesday, October 21.
D-Take Sports Plus, Inc., is located at 1315 Oakfield Dr. (#2823) in Brandon.
For more information, complete details of the event, rules and regulations, visit www.doubletake2on2.com, call 651-9444, or email jason@doubletake2on2.com.
