OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was more than just your average pickup basketball game. The Fifth Annual Hoops and Badges basketball game at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place was held June 13 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place
This year’s event featured a new format. Instead of police officers playing against local kids, four mixed teams were created, pairing Ocala Police Department (OPD) officers with youth participants.
“This is our annual signature event, Hoops and Badges with the kids,” said OPD Chief Mike Balken. “It’s an important tool for us to get out there and cross those bridges. Any time we can interact with these kids in a non-confrontational way, show them that we’re your friends. We’re part of this community and we want them to understand that we’re on their team.”
The event drew a near-capacity, standing-room-only crowd, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm and support.
“This is just one of the tools that we use to make those connections in our community,” Balken added. “I couldn’t be happier with the turnout, with not only the spectators, but the number of officers who came out. The mayor, his whole family is here. This is a great event to showcase that.”
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano shared the court with his sons and praised the strong sense of unity.
“Last year when we did this, we didn’t have this amount of people,” said Marciano. “It’s great to see the whole community out here. I’m really impressed. I think this is one of those things that makes the police department special. This year, it’s different because we put the kids on our team instead of playing against them. I couldn’t be more proud.”
The event also featured halftime entertainment from longtime community partners like KDC and the Sunshine Sliders.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to engage with our community, and each year it gets better and better,” said Tara Woods, OPD community liaison. “It was a great opportunity for community relationships and fellowship.”