Fall River Hot Shot Challenge is on Friday. The free event has big prizes

FALL RIVER — It's that time of year again for Fall River hoop lovers.

Do you think you have some game? Well, here is your chance to display your talents and shot-making ability for great prizes.

The Fall River Hot Shot Basketball Challenge kicks off this Friday at the newly renovated basketball courts at Britland Park, behind the Fall River Police Station. Last summer's event drew 82 contestants.

"It's do-or-die time," said Mike Perreira, organizer, former FRPD officer and now labor relations manager for the Massachusetts Coalition for Police.

This year's FR Hot Shot Challenge has added extra incentives. The popular event has three different age co-ed divisions: 10-13, 14-17, and 18-and-older. The winners of the 10-13 and 14-17 divisions receive a $250 Visa gift card while the 18-and-older champion will take home a $500 Visa gift card.

The first 100 particpants will receive an event jersey, water bottles and a pair of basketball socks. Free registration for the public begins at 3 p.m. and event starts at 4 p.m. with "In to It Productions" deejay providing live music. There are also free hot dogs and drinks.

On the table are three pairs of Nike Air Jordan Tatum 2 sneakers and 10 additional pairs of Nike sneakers, courtesy of city councilor Laura-Jean Sampson, state Rep. Carole A. Fiola (Fall River), Mayor Paul E. Coogan and FRPD commander Kelly Furtado (captain special operation division). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts corporate also donated $5,000 to help fund the event. Ten additional pairs of Nike sneakers will be raffled off.

The contest begins with a half-court shot. Each player has a minute to generate points from six different locations on the court. Each station has four balls on a rack, including a black ball. The orange balls are worth five points and the black one is worth 10 points.

In case no one sinks the long-range bomb, then the three divisions will battle for the prize.

Winners of the sneakers can get the size of their choice by exchanging the orginal pair of Nikes from the event by going to Snipes located at South Coast Marketplace. You can not redeem the sneakers for money.

Two sets of police officers will be assigned at the event along with a number of men from the Patrolmen and Superior Officer Union on hand as well.

"Obviously this [event] is old-school policing," Perreira said. "They are your friends and they're not here to harm you. These guys are here to help and volunteering. It's going to be a terrific time."

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River Hot Shot Challenge is on Friday. The free event has big prizes