CHICOPEE — For the third straight year, the C3 Hispanic Heritage Domino Tournament will be hosted on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 1-7 p.m. at Wisnowski Park, 14 Spruce St.
Chicopee Police Department’s C3 Unit Police Officer Elly Rodriguez talked to Reminder Publishing about the upcoming “family-friendly celebration that continues to grow.”
The celebration includes a dominoes tournament, local vendors, cultural music, food, kids’ activities and community resources.
Rodriguez said it’s a chance for people of all ages to come together and celebrate Hispanic heritage while connecting with local services and each other.
The idea for the event started as a way to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a meaningful and culturally relevant way, according to Rodriguez.
“Dominoes is a game deeply rooted in many Latino households, especially in Puerto Rican culture, so we felt it was the perfect anchor for bringing people together,” he said.
The goal for the event is to build stronger community connections by bringing residents, youth, families and service providers into the same space to learn from each other and celebrate culture.
Rodriguez stated, “We also want to provide valuable resources in a setting that feels comfortable and welcoming. It’s truly an honor to host this event. Seeing families smile, hearing the laughter during a heated dominoes match, and watching kids enjoy themselves while residents engage with local organizations — it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The community event also seeks to strengthen relationships and trust between residents and local organizations. It gives people access to services they might not have known about otherwise and helps build a sense of pride and unity within the community.
Chicopee Police Department’s C3 Unit is responsible for putting together the event and Rodriguez said, “It also helps police officers build trust, empathy and connection between the residents while humanizing the badge.”
The essential goals of C3 Policing include creating a safe environment, fostering community relationships, reducing gang activity and violence, and establishing effective youth and parental programs. These goals are achieved through community meetings, walking and bike patrols, and events like Coffee with a Cop, youth sports events and community picnics.
Vendors, sponsors and participants can sign up by contacting Rodriguez directly at Erodriguez@Chicopeepolice.com or filling out the forms provided. Thirty-two members are needed for a complete tournament.
The event is also promoted online and through community networks with signup links included.
Rodriguez concluded, “This event is all about culture, connection and community. Whether you come to play dominoes, enjoy the food, or just be with others, there’s something for everyone. We invite everyone to come out and be part of this positive, uplifting experience.”
