Crosstown Showdown Highlights, sponsored by Protiviti

Participants, volunteers, and spectators gathered together at the Garrity Center in Berea, OH, on Saturday, March 23, for the 2024 Crosstown Showdown. The signs were up, the hoops were up, and the lines were drawn as four teams of eager participants and volunteers worked so hard to get this moment… and they did not disappoint.

This year’s tournament united East Siders and West Siders in a way we have not seen before. Instead of East Side teams playing West Side Teams, teams were mixed with participants and volunteers from both sides of Cleveland. East Siders and West Siders alternated meeting in Westlake and meeting in Shaker Heights for four practices to prepare for the tournament. Uniting the West and East sides gave participants and volunteers opportunities to make new friends and work together with those they otherwise would not have had a chance to meet.

Red Wheely Hawks, Green Money Baller$, Purple Squirrels, and Yellow Running Panthers all competed for the crown of Crosstown Showdown Champion. The teams played six games in this double-elimination tournament until the Purple Squirrels faced off against the Yellow Running Panthers in the Championship Game. Congratulations to the Yellow Running Panthers on winning the tournament! The final game was commentated play-by-play by volunteers from Crosstown Showdown sponsor Proviti. Protiviti volunteers also ran the concession stand for fans to enjoy. Blake Weakland, an alumni participant, kept score during each game.

This program is an excellent opportunity for the participants to play in a tournament-style activity. It also allows participants’ parents to watch their child play in a competitive tournament environment—may never have before or even thought their child could participate in. Parents of volunteers get rare chances to see their child volunteer at a program and plays in a sports chair alongside of their participant partner.

Youth Challenge would like to thank Protiviti, a global business consulting firm, for being the Signature Program Sponsor for this exciting event! We cannot wait until next year’s tournament!