A group working to convince youth not to take up smoking is sponsoring a special tournament tomorrow to help carry that message.
The Kickin Butts 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney will take place at the Binghamton Boys and Girls Club on Clinton Street. It's being organized by Broome Tioga Reality Check. Teams of kids from 5th through 12th grade can enter by creating a poster or video about the dangers of tobacco.
Community Educator Cara Zampi says the tobacco industry views teens as "replacement smokers." "It's a sad fact but it is what their goal is. They're targeting youth and they're hoping that when the adults die of cancer or whatever, they are banking on these teenagers being smokers for life."
Teams will be split into 3 age divisions with winners receiving trophies and prizes. There will also be raffles, tobacco trivia and a shootout contest with mascot villain Ciggy Buttz. The free event runs from 11 am until 5 pm.
