​On Saturday, July 9, the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition hosted its 2026 Soaring Eagles 3v3 Vape Awareness Basketball Tournament at Smokiam Park in Soap Lake. According to Ryan Boldman, the coalition’s coordinator, this year marked the largest turnout since the event began in 2024. “Each year, the tournament has continued to grow in participation, spectatorship, volunteer support and community sponsorship,” Boldman noted.
The 2026 event featured 21 teams with about 84 players actively participating on court, while the overall gathering included roughly 250 players, family members, volunteers and spectators throughout the day. Winners crowned across the different brackets included Ball Don’t Lie in the Adult Bracket, Chicken Nuggets in the Girls Bracket, MLCA in the Boys 16-18 Bracket, and the Rim Reapers in the Boys 13-15 Bracket. Boldman reported that players and attendees described this as the best Soaring Eagles tournament to date, attributing the success to the vibrant atmosphere, strong organization and high level of competition.
Volunteers also praised the event’s smooth execution, noting that its success exceeded prior years. Boldman credited the growth to ongoing community support and expressed optimism about future expansion and impact. “We hope that the event continues to grow and make an even greater positive impact in the years to come,” he said.
To encourage broader participation, the coalition offered free entry for youth teams while adult teams paid a nominal $50 per team. During the tournament, the coalition distributed 100 vape-awareness education bags and provided $500 in hot dog vouchers for Jimmy Hot Dog’s to serve players and their families, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. Boldman emphasized that the tournament is intended to be an affordable, community-centered event that families can enjoy together while raising awareness about the risks of youth vaping.
Boldman also highlighted that vaping is not a risk-free alternative to smoking. He noted that the aerosol from vape devices can carry harmful chemicals and carcinogens that are inhaled deep into the lungs. Many vape products contain high levels of nicotine or cannabis, increasing the potential for addiction and long-term health consequences. The presence of flavors, appealing designs and advertising in marketing often targets younger audiences, complicating efforts to prevent youth use despite the clear health concerns involved.
Through the annual tournament, the coalition aims to provide a positive community event that also promotes informed, healthy choices among youth and families. Boldman reiterated the program’s overarching goal: to foster a fun, healthy activity that brings families together while elevating awareness about the risks associated with youth vaping.