North End Against Drugs (NEAD), with collaboration from State Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Rocco’s Cucina, hosted the 4th Annual North End Basketball Bonanza at the Nazzaro Center on Friday evening.
More than 40 children between the ages of 8-16 attended to take over the basketball court. Participants gathered for pizza, provided by Rocco’s Cucina, before starting their night of basketball competitions. Each was given a North End Basketball Bonanza t-shirt and water bottle, donated by State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz.
The younger kids (3rd-6th) competed in games of skill, knock-out, and more for chances to win trophies and other prizes. Mikey ‘Fud’ Giannasoli donated all of the trophies, basketballs, and other sports items that were presented to the winners of each competition.
The older teens (7th and up) participated in full court games for an evening of raucous fun, officiated by Nazzaro Director Steven Siciliano.
The evening was an unofficial kick-off to the in-house and St. Leonard’s Knights seasons. “The excitement and bond the neighborhood children demonstrated on the courts is what makes the North End community so special,” said organizers John Pregmon and Steven Siciliano.
Organizers thanked Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Rocco and Annette Zagarella, Mikey Fud, Maria Lanza, Laura Melendez, Michelle Deveau, and Manny Montrond for their efforts in making this event happen.
