Reporter staff

Taco Del Mar – in association with 50 local sponsors – presents the third annual EmD3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Emerald Downs on Aug. 8-9.

“Taco Del Mar really stepped up and made a commitment,” said Bob Fraser, Emerald Downs vice president of operations and chief organizer of the tourney. “We’re proud to have them on board.”

“Our stores are very community-oriented,” said Jeff Masterjohn, Taco Del Mar franchisee board chair for local advertising. “We’re involved with several athletic teams and programs, and EmD3-On-3 is a fantastic event. We’re excited to participate.”

Last year’s event drew more than 6,000 spectators, who watched 1,000 players on 250 teams compete on 30 courts in the north parking lot at the racetrack.

EmD3-on-3 is Western Washington’s largest outdoor basketball tourney and features competition in more than 30 categories, divided by age, grade, gender and skill.

This year’s event features youth categories from third to ninth grade, in addition to high school, college, adult, 40 and older, and co-ed divisions.

The tourney also offers a 3-point shootout to raise funds and awareness for local charities.

Entry fee is $150 per team, with a maximum of four players. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games. Each player gets a T-shirt, with championship shirts awarded to the winner of each division.

Deadline to register is July 26.

For more information, visit www.emd3on3.com.