Three second-year McMaster students have helped organize a three-on-three basketball tournament to raise money and awareness for children in Sudan.

Life sciences students James Khan, president of Visionary Development, Jeril Kanampuza, vice-president, and biochemistry student Priyanka Joseph, director of finance, helped organize the first Mississauga Charity Basketball Tournament, which will be held Saturday, August 6 at Father Goetz Secondary School (330 Central Pkwy. W).

Visionary Development is a youth group focused on organizing community events for recognized charitable causes.

The cost to enter a team is $65 (or $80 per team via pledges/sponsorship). Participation in the day-long event is open to those 16 years and older.

All proceeds go to World Vision's efforts to help children and their families in the African nation of Sudan, where more than 1.2 million people have fled from their homes due to ongoing ethnic violence and rapidly deteriorating living conditions. The funds will help pay for survival kits for Sudanese families in need.

Participating hoops teams can have as many as five players, but only three can be on the court at a time during game action. Each team will play three opening-round games. Games last 12 minutes. Squads with the best records will then advance to a playoff round. Prizes and trophies will be awarded at the end of the tourney. A slam dunk contest will also be held. Cost to enter is $10. For spectators, admission is $2 (or higher donation).

For more information call 647-988-9357 or e-mail info@citywidesports.ca. To register a team, visit www.citywidesports.ca and go to “Events coming up.”

(With files from Mississauga News)