Assembly Resolution No. 577

BY: M. of A. Crespo

COMMENDING Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. upon the
occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary season
to begin June 15, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring organizations which faithfully devote their resources and
purposeful energies to fostering opportunities and contributing to the
quality of life for the citizens of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Hoops in the Sun, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th
Anniversary season to begin June 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc., created by Rufino (Joe) Cruz
and his two sons, Joe Jr. and Randy Cruz in the summer of 2000, is a
community based basketball program dealing primarily in the street ball
industry; and

WHEREAS, Rufino Cruz also known as Joe "Pops" Cruz trained sales
representatives from across the nation for the sofa-bed company Jennifer
Convertibles; on one of his business trips, he was inspired by what he
experience at Venice Beach in Los Angeles during a local basketball
tournament; and

WHEREAS, He wanted to impact the Bronx community as a Latino and to
bring his experience to one of his favorite places in the Bronx, Orchard
Beach, also referred to as The Bronx Rivera; as Pops used to said "if
you can play at the beach, then you can play anywhere"; and

WHEREAS, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. originally consisted of eight
teams from the Pro-Am Men's League for adults age 18 and up; this
included current and former college standouts and professional
basketball players; and

WHEREAS, The following year, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. expanded
by including players from the Pro-Am Women's League for adults age 18
and up as well as a Youth Clinic in association with the New York City
Parks & Recreation for children ages 7 to 12; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. was made up of 10
teams with participants from all across the Tri-State Area; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. expanded once again
to include a High School Girl Division and by 2016, it contained 19 and
under High School Division, becoming seven Divisions with a total of 50
teams, with participants between the ages of 10 to adult; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc. consists of 10
teams on the Men's Pro Division, 40 Teams in the 10, 12, 14, 16 and 19
and under Boys Youth Division, and six teams in 18 and under High School
Girls Division; and

WHEREAS, Hoops in the Sun will be kicking off their 20th Anniversary
season starting June 15, 2019, and continuing until August 18, 2019, at
Orchard Beach in the Bronx, New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events as Hoops in the Sun which, for the last 20
years, has provided a recreational activity for adults and youth as an
entertainment outlet for beach going spectators of all ages; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Hoops in the Sun, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th
Anniversary season to begin June 15, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Hoops in the Sun Group, Inc.