Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., eats an ice cream cone during a stop at the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitors Center, Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, in Le Mars, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Barack Obama (D) Senator, Illinois Born: 08/04/1961 Birthplace: Honolulu, HI Home: Chicago, IL Religion: United Church of Christ >> Website >> Forum >> Related Stories Coming Events

PORTSMOUTH — Illinois Sen. and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama's New Hampshire campaign on Monday announced the launch of Hoops-Action-Change, a statewide three-on-three basketball tournament.

The Portsmouth games will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday at the basketball courts in the South Playground opposite City Hall on Junkins Avenue.

Hoops-Action-Change is an opportunity for Granite Staters to get involved in their communities, to participate with Obama's campaign and to have some summer fun on the basketball court. All participants in the tournament are required to complete a community organizing activity. Participants will be canvassing, phone banking, and hosting house parties across the state.

The top two teams from each region will advance to the finals on Saturday in Manchester, with special guest Craig Robinson, Obama's brother-in-law and head coach of Brown University's men's basketball team.

The tournament is free and open to the public. Players must be 18 or older.

Players may register a team by calling 433-7001 or by visiting www.nh.barackobama.com/basketball.