The Field House at Chelsea Piers will host a 10-week-long basketball tournament for kids 15-18 years old, all from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The tournament will be held on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, commencing Sunday, April 19, 1998. For most of these kids, this will be the first time they have played in a tournament outside their home turf.

The basketball tournament was conceived and is being orchestrated by Judd Grill, who works as an outreach specialist with these teens on an ongoing basis. "I am always seeking ways to get these kids off the streets," said Grill. "Basketball is a vehicle to do this while teaching them sportsmanship, discipline and reliance on others. Tournament basketball provides a natural means to help foster these qualities, with the ultimate goal of building self-esteem...both on and off the court."

Mr. Grill has lined up six Lower East Side teams to play in the tournament. These teams will be sponsored by the Grand Street Settlement House, the Henry Street Settlement House, Immigrant Social Services (ISS), The Cardinal Spellman Center and Exodus (Lillian Wald Housing Projects).

"Bill Abramson, the General Manager, has been great," said Grill. "The Field House at Chelsea Piers is a magnificent facility which will impact each and every participant. These kids play on concrete without lights or fancy fiberglass backboards. This is like playing at the Garden!"

In all, approximately 60 Lower East Side youths will participate in the tournament. Championship and MVP trophies as well as team tee shirts will be provided by the sponsoring organizations.

The Field House at Chelsea Piers is located at Pier 62, 23rd Street and the Hudson River. For more information about the tournament, please call Judd Grill at the Grand Street Settlement House, 212.957.9488