“Basketball is one of my favorite sports,” Rodenhouse said. “So it’s fun to help kids that want to play basketball.”

Held at Jenison Field House, March Magic Hoopfest — an interactive funfest for children and adults of all ages held by the Greater Lansing Sports Authority — is in its fourth year, Great Lakes Sports Authority Executive Director Mike Price said. Price said the event also is in conjunction with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and Basketball Coaches of Michigan.

Greater Lansing Sports Authority is a nonprofit organization trying to attract sporting events in the Lansing area, Price said.

The event is held every year to give fans opportunities to have fun while visiting the MHSAA boy’s basketball semifinals and finals at Breslin Center, said T.J. Hawkins, a sports coordinator at Greater Lansing Sports Authority.

The different events at March Magic Hoopfest include a 3-point shootout, free-throw challenge, around the world, skills challenge and a slam dunk contest.

“I love the opportunity for people to shoot around and play and have fun,” Hawkins said. “It’s our little version of March Madness.”

“There are so many different activities for all different age levels,” said Williamston, Mich., resident Sandy Sweckard, who brought her seven-year-old grandson to the event after a half day of school. “He said he needed to practice before his last game on Sunday, so this was the perfect (event).”

The event is a great way for children to have a fun time and not be stuck in the house playing video games, graduate student Caitlin Rice said. Rice said it also is a way for the student volunteers to relax and have a good time as well.

“I think it’s really good to see the kids getting active,” Rice said. “(For the volunteers), we’re in medical school, so we’re so focused on academics, and it’s nice to get out and do something different and give back.”

The event continues tomorrow from 2-7 p.m. at Jenison Field House and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.