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Mayor Brandon Johnson Tips Off Second Annual Freshman Holiday Basketball Tournament For Chicago High Schoolers

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's second annual Freshman Holiday Basketball Tournament has officially kicked off, thanks to the efforts of the Mayor's Office of Community Safety (MOCS) and the Chicago Parks District. The two-day tournament, open to freshmen and sophomores from high schools across the city, aims to engage students during their holiday vacation and provide a safe space for them to play and build new friendships.

The event, which will take place at both Broadway Armory Park in Edgewater and the Washington Park fieldhouse, offers organized games for high school athletes to showcase their talents while promoting physical and mental wellness. With teams representing 18 Chicago high schools registered between the two sites, more than 400 students and their families are expected to attend.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of providing safe and positive spaces for young people during school breaks. "Events like the Freshman Holiday Basketball Tournament help keep our young people safe and our neighborhoods strong by offering positive engagement that brings friends and families together," he said. "When we invest in our young people, on and off the court, we invest in stronger communities and a brighter future for all of Chicago."

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Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa also expressed his support for the tournament. "One of our priorities is to provide programming that keeps Chicago's teens engaged, and this tournament gives our young people a chance to stay active during out-of-school time and to play in a positive, structured, and safe environment," he said.

The top eight teams from this week's tournament will advance to the Up Next Freshman Invitational on January 2. This annual showcase highlights Chicago Public Schools athletes and connects players with coaches and future opportunities, paving the way for elite high school and collegiate basketball careers.

This tournament builds upon the success of other youth sports programs led by MOCS throughout the year, including Late Night Basketball, Late Night Video Game Night, and safe space activations. As violent crime rates continue to decrease, the Johnson administration has prioritized expanding programs and opportunities that increase youth engagement, strengthen community trust, and foster meaningful relationships between families and local organizations.

Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood expressed excitement for the tournament's second year. "The holiday classic is more than sports - it's about community healing, connection, and reclaiming public space," he said. "We're proud to work with our city and community partners to make this a safe, engaging environment where trust and relationships can grow."

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Participating high schools include George Westinghouse College Prep, John Marshall Metropolitan High School, Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, Lincoln Park High School, Uplift Community High School, Perspectives/IIT Math and Sciences Academy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School, Stephen Tyng Mather High School, Englewood STEM High School, Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts, Percy L. Julian High School, Perspectives High School of Technology, South Shore International College Preparatory High School, Lindblom Math and Sciences Academy, Hyde Park Academy High School, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, Richards Career Academy, and Christian Fenger Academy High School.

The Annual Holiday Tournament complements existing Project sWish and BrandB programming which aim to unite communities by providing safe and supportive environments that promote mental wellness and healing. Project sWish focuses on creating spaces where young people feel supported and connected while BrandB partners with athletes, brands, and sports organizations to deliver youth-centered initiatives that drive meaningful impact in underserved communities.

As the tournament continues to grow in popularity each year with more participating schools and students attending the event with their families in tow - it is clear that this initiative is making a positive impact on Chicago's youth by providing them with a safe space to play basketball while building new friendships and promoting physical and mental wellness.

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