I would like to congratulate Deacon Charles Hylton, his wife, and the Abounding Grace Ministries for an excellent event on July 23. It was a basketball tournament with many speakers who spoke in a positive way.

It was a youth basketball tournament with over 15 teams from East Lyme, Waterford, New London, Groton, New Haven, Colchester, among others. It was played by high school age students, who played great basketball before a nice crowd at the James Johnson basketball courts at Toby May Field.

More than basketball was played as guest speakers, also, spoke to the youth in a positive manner. Pastor Hill started the speakers and was followed by Police Chief Wright and State Representative Nolan, also a member of the police force.

They were followed by an energetic young man, Tim Allen. A former star athlete at East Lyme and University of Rhode Island, Allen energized the young athletes about the important tasks of doing the right thing. It was fantastic to hear a former area athlete motivate the youth in a positive way.

New London needs movements like this to bring our city back together. Our future rests on our youth.

Mike McLaughlin

New London