Watertown-based Patrick’s PALS is in its 30th year, raising money for research into Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. A 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser will be held at the TRACK at New Balance. See more details provided by Patrick’s PALS, below.
For 30 years, Patrick’s PALS has brought together athletes, families, and the Greater Boston sports community to raise awareness and critical funding for Fragile X Syndrome – the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide – with 100 percent of proceeds supporting FRAXA Research Foundation and its mission to develop effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Close to $3 MILLION has been raised in the tournament’s 29-year history.
That impact continues this spring as Patrick’s PALS hosts its 30th Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the TRACK at New Balance in Brighton. The tournament will feature approximately 40 teams competing in a high-stakes double-elimination format, with up to four players per team. Registration includes event swag, breakfast and lunch, and access to a full day of activities including shooting contests, raffles, and a silent auction. Spectators are welcome, and admission is free.
Over three decades, the tournament has evolved into one of the region’s most recognized grassroots sporting events, drawing participation and support from across the professional sports and media landscape. Past guests and participants have included Bob Ryan, Kevin Paul Dupont, Ben Volin, Chad Finn, Rich Eisen, Mike Reiss, Steve Burton, Kayla Burton, Ben Watson, Dana Barros, Brock Holt, and Walter McCarty, among many others.
Former professional basketball player Jon Dalzell called Patrick’s PALS “the greatest 3-on-3 tournament in the state, in the country or in the world,” while longtime participant Andrew Goldstein emphasized the event’s lasting pull, noting that “every single year PALS draws us back and we turn it into a whole weekend of events.”
Beyond competition, organizers say the true impact of Patrick’s PALS lies in the awareness it generates for Fragile X Syndrome and the real-world effects that awareness can have. Bob Socci, the radio voice of the New England Patriots since 2013 and a former PALS honoree, credited the event with helping his own family better understand the condition.
“I was unaware of Fragile X Syndrome until I read a column about Patrick’s PALS by The Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont,” Socci said. “Patrick’s PALS connected me with Jim… I’m grateful for Patrick’s PALS and FRAXA Research Foundation working tirelessly to develop better treatments, and ultimately a cure.”
Patrick’s PALS Co-Founder Bill Rome said the organization’s longevity reflects its broader mission. “PALS has created something of long-term value with real world impact,” he said.
Founded in 1994, FRAXA Research Foundation continues to fund cutting-edge research and drug trials, with the goal of developing over-the-counter treatments to combat symptoms and ultimately curing Fragile X Syndrome.
The one-day tournament begins with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., with championship games scheduled to begin at approximately 2:15 p.m., followed by trophy presentations.
Event Schedule:
- 7:30 A.M. – Check-in and breakfast
- 8:30 A.M. – Silent auction opens
- 9:00 A.M. – Opening ceremonies
- 9:30 A.M. – Tournament play begins (four half-court games simultaneously)
- 11:30 A.M. – Lunch begins
- 11:45 A.M. – 3-point shooting contest
- 12:15 P.M. – Half-court shot contest
- 12:30 P.M. – Tournament resumes
- 12:45 P.M. – Raffle winners drawn; ice cream cart opens
- 2:00 P.M. – Silent auction closes
- 2:15 P.M. – Championship round begins
- 2:45 P.M. – Trophy ceremony
- 3:00 P.M. – Tournament concludes
Learn more at patrickspals3x3.com
About FRAXA Research Foundation
Founded in 1994 by three parents of children diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, FRAXA Research Foundation is dedicated to finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for the condition. FRAXA directly funds research grants and fellowships at leading universities around the world and partners with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of therapies. Advances in Fragile X research have broader implications, with potential to benefit individuals affected by autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders.
Learn more at fraxa.org
About Patrick’s PALS
Patrick’s PALS was established in 1997 in honor of Patrick Vershbow, who was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome at 11 months old. Now 33, Patrick remains the inspiration behind the organization’s mission. Patrick’s PALS is dedicated to raising awareness of Fragile X Syndrome — the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide — while also raising funds to support the work of the FRAXA Research Foundation. Through community events and outreach, Patrick’s PALS continues to build awareness and drive meaningful progress toward treatment and a cure.
Learn more at patrickspals3x3.com