What a day. What a crowd. What a celebration of kids, community, and competition.

This week, Cicero District 99 brought together sixth graders from across the district for our District-Wide Intramural Basketball Tournament, hosted at Unity Junior High School — and it delivered everything youth sports should be.

From the moment the first ball tipped off, the energy was electric.

Parents and fans packed the stands. Teammates cheered until they were hoarse. Classmates became rivals for a few quarters, then friends again the moment the buzzer sounded. Local kids competed against one another — many for the first time — knowing that in just a year or two, some of them will be wearing the same junior high jerseys, building lifelong friendships that started right here on the court.

And the basketball? Outstanding.

A huge congratulations goes out to Lincoln Elementary School, who took home BOTH the Boys and Girls Championships. The school on the south side of Cicero absolutely impressed with heart, hustle, and teamwork. 

🏆 Boys Division: Lincoln (1st Place). Warren Park (2nd Place). Roosevelt (3rd Place). Columbus East (4th Place).
🏆 Girls Division: Lincoln (1st Place). Goodwin (2nd Place). Columbus East (3rd Place). Roosevelt (4th Place).

Each team brought effort, sportsmanship, and pride — exactly what intramurals are all about. Intramurals aren't simply games after school. They're opportunities.
They give students a safe, positive space to build confidence. They teach teamwork, perseverance, and respect. They help kids discover passions they didn't even know they had. They create connections across neighborhoods and schools.

For some students, intramurals are their first step into organized athletics. For others, they're a chance to belong, to grow, and to shine in ways that don't always happen in the classroom. Best of all, students can start as early as 5th grade, opening the door to years of healthy habits, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

This tournament showed exactly why these programs are so vital: kids supporting kids, families showing up in force, and a community coming together around something positive.
And we're just getting started. Next up: Volleyball.

If your child is interested, talk with your school's PE teacher and get them involved. Because days like this don't just create champions — they build confidence, character, and community.
If you were in those stands, you felt it. If you weren't, trust us — you'll want your child there next time.

This is what intramurals looks like at their best. And we can't wait to do it all again!