A Celebration of Community, Competition, and Hope
By: Laurel Marewibuel
To celebrate the 20th Island Jams Tournament, Jon Clapp said, “We’re commemorating this milestone with lots of extra prizes, free lunch, and a special prize drawing for spectators and parents who attend. Plus, everyone will leave with a special Island Jams 20th anniversary T-shirt to remember the occasion.”
PALAU— Jon Clapp, organizer of the “Basketball Jams Tournament,” said, “Twenty years is definitely a big year! We are so grateful for the opportunity to provide these events for the community over the years. Island Jams’ first year was 2006, with just a handful of teams that competed in Ngerbodel, Ngerchemai. Over the next several years, we reached out to other communities, often hosting three tournaments at three separate locations throughout the summer. Clapp added, “We are excited to be able to use the brand-new Meyuns Gymnasium for this year’s tournament! The facilities are a perfect place for what is set to be a great day of competition and fun, rain or shine. There is plenty of space for players and spectators, lots of room for parking, and the ocean-side setting is perfect!” Clapp explained, “Island Jams combines great competition with fun for everyone, including parents and spectators. But what makes Island Jams even more unique is the message of hope and encouragement that has always been part of these events. This year we have a special program planned with music and a Biblical challenge for the youth, to go along with a slideshow of pictures of Island Jams through the years.”
Island Jams has also expanded to include volleyball several times as well. “As this year marks our 20th Island Jams Tournament, we will commemorate this occasion with lots of extra prizes, free lunch, and a special prize drawing for spectators and parents who attend! Along with all of the extra prizes that are set to be given away, everyone will leave the tournament with a special Island Jams 20th anniversary T-shirt.” He also noted, “Island Jams has worked hard over the years to provide players and spectators alike with a day full of good competition and great memories. We want everyone to feel welcome to join, even if they are not skilled basketball players.
Island Jams is open for guys and girls, with two divisions. Division 1 is for ages 9-13, and Division 2 is for ages 14-18. Island Jams is a family and community event and has always been alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free.”