Some folks in Orono, who believe in giving back for what they’ve been given, have come up with an idea to aid that town’s Recreation Department, hard hit by today’s economic woes.

Orono Rec Sports Boosters has recently been formed as a result of that community’s decreased funding for the rec department. Diane Libby and Eric Hume co-chair the organization which will raise funds for youth sports.

Bill Libby is doing the legwork for the group, which will sponsor its first major fund-raiser on Sunday, Nov. 3.

That event will be a version of the ever-popular, 3-on-3 basketball tournament that has attracted men and women from all over the state to the Bangor YMCA each June.

The Orono Parks and Rec 3-on-3 Shootout Basketball Tournament will be held at Orono High School beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3. Limited to 40 teams, five divisions for men and women will be included. The entry fee is $36 and the registration deadline is Oct. 29.

Bill Libby has placed flyers announcing the tournament from Kittery to Fort Kent.

“The Bangor tournament was really popular,” he said. “A lot of guys enjoyed it because you don’t have to be a superstar to participate. So, with the budgets the way they are, our group decided to go for it to see if we could make it work.”

Females are especially encouraged to compete, Libby said.

“We’re hoping to attract a lot of women. We’ve put flyers with all the colleges in the state, with the recreation groups, YMCAs and YWCAs – anywhere you might find women’s leagues. Since it’s between seasons, even high school players can participate if it’s okay with their coaches.”

Women have competed in the past. Libby’s recollection is that in the best year, five or six teams registered. “We’re trying to generate a lot of interest, and let the public know what’s going on,” he said. “Before, you might not have known about a tournament like this unless you were a basketball junkie.”

The tournament has four divisions for men: 6-feet and under, men’s open, men’s recreational, and men’s 30-and-over. Currently, there is just one women’s division.

“We haven’t enough women’s teams to split them up,” Libby said,”but I hope I get to eat my words.” The sponsors need a minimum of four teams per division. If that is not achieved, the entry fee will be refunded.

Teams consist of four players, with free substitution. All games are officiated, and tournament play is the double-elimination format. “Basically, you play to 40 points and win by two, or the first team to reach 45 is the winner,” Libby explained.

With 40 teams, Libby expects the tournament to last about 6 1/2 hours. The games are played half-court on side baskets. Once the tournament is down to three teams, the end baskets will be used.

The Orono Rec Sports Boosters have been running a concession booth for the department’s Saturday morning soccer program and have several other activities planned.

“A lot of things need to be done, like work on the youth league field,” Libby said. “We’re hoping this tournament will take off and help us get the things we need for the kids in this community.”

Response to the flyers he has placed throughout the state has been good. “I’ve been getting quite a few calls at home,” Libby said.

Anyone wishing more information may call the Orono Recreation Department at 866-5065 or call Libby in the evening at 866-4124.