Salem’s beloved Hoopla street basketball tournament brought more than just competition to the city this week — it also brought a free clinic that put basketballs in the hands of hundreds of local kids, giving young players a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game in a welcoming, community-centered setting.

Photos from the event, shared by the Salem Reporter, captured the energy and enthusiasm of the young participants as they worked on their skills at the free clinic hosted as part of Hoopla’s 27th year returning to Salem. The long-running tournament has become a cherished summer tradition in the city, and this year’s free youth clinic added an extra layer of community impact to the festivities.

Hoopla’s return for its 27th year underscores just how deeply rooted the event has become in Salem’s identity. Street basketball courts filled with players of all ages, and the free clinic ensured that even the youngest aspiring athletes could be part of the action — at no cost to their families.

Events like Hoopla reflect the kind of community spirit that keeps Salem’s summers lively and connected. By pairing competitive street basketball with free youth programming, organizers made sure the tournament was about more than wins and losses — it was about building skills, making memories, and bringing neighbors together on the court.

For Salem families, it was a week to remember: hundreds of kids learning basketball basics, a city celebrating 27 years of a homegrown tradition, and a community showing up for one another in the best possible way.

Sources: Salem Reporter, Salem Reporter