A new youth basketball tournament is coming to Owensboro with a mission that goes beyond the court.
Ballin’ in the Boro will debut February 27 through March 1, 2026, bringing together boys and girls teams from 3rd grade through sophomore level. Sponsored by Rehabilitation & Performance Institute, the event will be held to benefit Puzzle Pieces, a local nonprofit that supports more than 450 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Inclusion and acceptance begin with our youth,” said Amanda Owen, Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces. “This tournament is an opportunity to use sports as a platform to teach those values — on and off the court. It’s about creating an environment where everyone belongs.”
Team registration is now open at bit.ly/BallinInTheBoroRegister, with a $200 entry fee per team. Spots are limited.
The idea for the tournament grew from a partnership between Owen and local youth coach Corey Wilford, a longtime supporter of Puzzle Pieces and participant in three Owensboro Lip Sync Battles — the organization’s annual signature fundraiser. Wilford also coaches Owen’s son, Layne.
“I love what Puzzle Pieces stands for, and I’ve seen firsthand how inclusion can be powerful,” Wilford said. “I wanted to do more, and this tournament felt like the perfect way to give back.”
In addition to the tournament, the weekend will include a Saturday Skills Showcase on March 1 at 6 p.m.
The event is open to the public and will feature skills challenges for players, a coaches’ exhibition game, a Special Olympics exhibition game, a live DJ, special performances, and $3 pizza-and-Coke dinner deals. Entry to the showcase is free for players, coaches, and weekend pass holders; general admission is $3.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Ashley Wedding, public relations director for Puzzle Pieces, at [email protected].
