Youth basketball tournament begins on Saturday in downtown Fresno

A youth basketball tournament aimed at keeping kids off the streets starts Saturday at the Fresno Police Department in downtown Fresno, Fresno Building Healthy Communities said.

Saturday Night Basketball, which takes place at 2323 Mariposa Mall, runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Saturday until Aug. 8.

Fresno Building Healthy Communities has partnered with the Fresno Police Department to put together more than 20 teams for kids ages 14 and up to participate in 3-on-3 basketball games.

“Our youth are our most precious resource — and they deserve access to positive and engaging programs and activities during the summer and throughout the year,” said Sandra Celedon-Castro, Fresno Building Healthy Communities hub manager. “Basketball has been a great way to deter youth from crime and street violence.”

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 8:59 PM with the headline "Youth basketball tournament begins on Saturday in downtown Fresno."