On behalf of the Steering Committee of the 2018 McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, welcome to the Pasadena and Deer Park communities. Our tournament is viewed across the state as the premier tip-off to the upcoming high school boys’ and girls’ basketball season. If you are physically here to watch the games or one of our many visitors who view the games via internet streaming, you will see a lot of great basketball throughout the weekend culminating in our championship games on Saturday.
As the MTI begins, we want to express our appreciation to our many sponsors who continued their legacy of support for this tournament this year despite the burdensome impact of the heavy rains and floods that swept through our community in August. That so many of you continued your donations is a tribute to your belief in the young people of today and your commitment to our communities.
Thanks also to the almost 400 volunteers who will work at our many venues over the course of the next three days. The tournament would not happen without your participation. Your smiling faces and generous attitudes let everyone across the state know why Pasadena and Deer Park are great places to learn, play, live and work.
In the end, the McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament is a fund raiser for the education foundations in Pasadena ISD and Deer Park ISD. Since its inception 16 years ago, more than $2.2 million has been raised to provide mini-grants to teachers for innovative programs and teaching strategies impacting the lives of all students in Pasadena and Deer Park. That gift, my friends, makes a huge difference in the lives of our children and young people.
Enjoy your time in our communities. While you’re in town, take advantage of the many shops and restaurants you’ll find around town, many of whom are our sponsors. Most of all, enjoy your time at the games. Support your team and all the student athletes from across Texas. Your presence means the world to them.
Welcome to the McDonald’s Texas Invitational. We hope you enjoy your time with us.
Sincerely,
Kirk Lewis
Tournament Chair