Salem’s young basketball fans got a special treat this week as hundreds of children turned out for a free skills clinic hosted by Hoopla, the city’s beloved summer basketball tournament. The event gave kids across the community a hands-on opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game, and a photo gallery published by the Salem Reporter captured the energy and enthusiasm on full display at the courts.

Free clinics like this one are a hallmark of what makes Hoopla more than just a competitive tournament — they reflect a genuine commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level and making basketball accessible to young people regardless of their background or experience. Seeing hundreds of kids lace up their sneakers and take to the court together is a reminder of how sports can bring a community closer.

The clinic adds another bright chapter to what has been a busy and spirited Hoopla season in Salem. The Statesman Journal also noted this week that the tournament introduced a new leaderboard ranking all-time participants, a fun touch that speaks to the deep roots Hoopla has put down in the local community over the years.

Meanwhile, downtown Salem welcomed another reason to celebrate this week: Sarina’s Italian Kitchen officially opened its doors on Thursday, July 23, according to the Salem Business Journal. The new restaurant brings fresh dining options to the heart of the city, adding to the vibrancy of Salem’s downtown scene. Food lovers and neighbors alike now have a new neighborhood spot to gather, share a meal, and enjoy a little taste of Italy right in their own backyard.

From the basketball courts to the dinner table, Salem is showing once again that it knows how to bring people together — and that there is plenty to look forward to this summer.

Sources: Salem Reporter, Salem Business Journal