The basketball-loving Gardiner family was devastated by a tragic car crash just a few years ago. Now one of the surviving family members has dedicated an annual summer basketball tournament to his fallen family and others who have suffered through similar tragedies.
The 4th Annual Gardiner Memorial Basketball Classic Tournament was held on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16, at St. James Park on Jerome Avenue. The event was first organized by members of the Gardiner family of Fordham.
Sadly, Asia, 8, Derrick, 40, Jamel, 14, and Keywann, 23, along with family friend Brandon Daye, 18, were killed in a horrific crash on the Bronx River Parkway as they traveled to a game on July 9, 2006, that was, ironically, dedicated to other family members who had recently passed away.
Surviving family member Dexter Gardiner, a longtime Fordham resident who now resides on Burke Avenue, has continued to run the tournament. This year featured 96 players and eight teams, some from as far away as Bermuda and Mississippi. Free food and drink were available as well as a deejay and live entertainment.
“We’re bringing the families out,” Dexter Gardiner said, “families that have been through tragedies from all over the city.” The family of Sean Bell, the unarmed man shot dead by police in Queens, had attended in the past.
Some good can come from tragedy, Gardiner says. “I know I went on TV and spoke about getting the highway fixed. It was a very bad highway, and they fixed it, so I’m happy.” Gardiner claimed it was a defect in the roadway at East 177th Street, that sent his family’s vehicle over the highway divider.
“I’m doing this because a lot of families are going through this,” Gardiner says.
“I just want to give back to the people,” Gardiner added, “and to let them know that people from the community do care for them.”
The winner of this year’s tournament was “Jadakiss,” of Yonkers, a team that included Bronxite Kareem Reid, a former player with the University of Arkansas. Team Jadakiss defeated members of “Never Be Forgotten,” a team based on City Island.
Jeff S. Korek of the law firm Gersowitz, Libo and Korek P.C., who along with Lawyertime.com sponsored the event.
This year the law firm even participated with its own team, and despite being eliminated in the first round, Korek added, “We had a great time this weekend and are so happy to be a part of the tournament.”
The law firm also awarded $1,500 scholarships to three college-bound participants.
Ed. Note: For more information on the Gardiner Foundation, visit www.thegardinerfamily.tv.
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