By Alicia CruzThe Black Urban Times
Hip Hop artist, author and actor LL Cool J (nee James Todd Smith) is giving back to his Queens community in a big way. In conjunction with Senator Malcolm Smith (D-N.Y.), the "I Need Love" singer hosted his annual “Jump and Ball” and Double-Dutch tournaments Saturday in Queens.
The tournaments, which featured karate, dance and self-defense activities, took place at Daniel M. O'Connell Park at 196th St. and Murdock Ave. in St. Albans, the rapper's hometown, The NY Daily News reported.
"I am so pleased to see that LL Cool J is still giving back to his community," said Senator Smith, the temporary President of the New York State Senate and the first African-American to hold that position.
"I would like to commend LL Cool J for his dedication to the Queens community," Smith told the New York Daily News.
The tourneys, sponsored by local companies, is designed to foster community cohesiveness and will offer a place for St. Albans youth to showcase and cultivate their athletic talent.
The basketball tournament consists of two divisions, with 80 youths per division, playing in a "Win or Go Home" elimination format. The Double-Dutch competition, which is primarily female, will consist of eight teams showcasing their creativity, skill and talent.
They’ll be held every Saturday and Sunday through August 29, CBS News reported.
Tournament games are scheduled to be played Aug. 13 and 14, with playoff games scheduled for Aug. 20. 21, 27, 28 and Sept. 3, and the championship games and trophy awards ceremony scheduled for Sept. 4.
To sign up for the tournament, contact Shaun (Blacker) Bell at (718) 772-8302. For more information on the event, contact Smith's office at (718) 528-4290.
Since debuting on the Hip Hop scene, LL Cool J has moved onto acting, penned a book titled, "I Make my Own Rules in 1998, released the "James Smith" clothing line in addition to launching Boomdizzle.com, a record label / social networking site launched in September 2008.
The 42-year-old resides in Manhasset, New York, with his wife and four children.
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