Over 200 people gathered at Holiday Park Community Center for the Summer of Nonviolence basketball event, organized to encourage unity and positive engagement among Albuquerque residents. The event was hosted by several organizations including the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque City Council District 8, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Bernalillo County, former NBA player Kenny Thomas, Youth and Family Services, Teen Connect, Zia Sports Academy, and radio station 99.9 FM The Beat.
The free gathering featured a 3-on-3 basketball competition open to all ages. It also aimed to create a safe environment for teens through the City’s Teen Connect initiative. Participants could enjoy free food from local vendors after completing a community survey. Many attendees took part in the Summer of Nonviolence pledge as a commitment to peace and respect in their neighborhoods.
Mayor Tim Keller said, “Community engagement and sportsmanship foster unity and resilience. The City of Albuquerque remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote safety, inclusion, and positive growth for residents of all ages.”
District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine stated, “Events like these bring our neighborhoods together and remind us that sports can be a powerful tool for fostering peace and understanding. District 8 is proud to support programming geared toward bringing the community together in health ways.”
Kenny Thomas added, “Basketball has always been about more than the game. It’s about teamwork, respect, and building something bigger than ourselves. I’m proud to be part of this movement.”
ACS Community Outreach Manager Jeffery Bustamante said, “Our goal is to create safe spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Today’s event reflects that mission perfectly.”
Albuquerque Community Safety continues its prevention-first approach with programs focused on behavioral health or substance use issues that are not criminal or medical emergencies. Residents can reach ACS responders by calling 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergencies.
Bernalillo County serves over 676,000 residents within New Mexico’s largest county by population. Its government provides services across multiple communities with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.
The Summer of Nonviolence program will offer additional events throughout the season designed to strengthen connections among community members while promoting safety.
