4 on 4 weekend Basketball
Tournament

This endeavor was inspired by a tragedy. On February 1, 2019, our founder was out enjoying the evening with a former basketball player, he coached in High School, they exchanged pleasantries with the players’ cousin, and by 11pm the cousin was dead. While driving to his destination, the young man's heart failed, hitting parked cars; he was ejected from the vehicle. This young man wasn’t even 30 years old. To his family's knowledge, he had no prior heart ailments.

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As a result, we are centered on the early detection of hypertension―the “silent killer.” This initiative, through basketball, is for all men 30 years and older in the St. Louis metro area. This group was intentionally identified because of their high-risk for hypertension. For example, the recent change in blood pressure guidelines to 130 over 80 alarmingly classifies 59% of all African American men as having high blood pressure; up from 42%.

To this point, we chose a path to controlling high blood pressure through participation in the YMCA’s Evidence Based Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (“BPSM”).

 

Players agreed to be screened prior to league play. A prior diagnosis coupled with a current  hypertensive measurement activated a 4 month arrangement of home self-monitoring, using proper measuring techniques, individualized support and nutrition education. An enrollee in BPSM would be assigned a YMCA Healthy Heart trained Ambassador. The participant is trained and asked to:   

     

• Properly measure and record their blood pressure at least two times per month with a take home monitor

• Attend two personalized consultations per month

• Attend monthly Nutrition Education Seminars

 

We are excited about the long term impact of this initiative and its achievements in:  

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• Reduction in blood pressure

• Better blood pressure management

• Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure

• Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

This August 8-10, 2025 4 on 4 tournament will be held at Saint Louis University, at the Simon Recreation Center, located at 3639 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO  63108.

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Saint Louis University in coordination with the American Heart Association will be conducting the screening and providing education on the dangers of undetected hypertension.

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Visit this page over the coming weeks for the number of teams participating, scheduling, hotel discounts (if any) and general information about logistics of the weekend (registration... instructions upon arrival etc).

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Team fee $250 

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