By Saleh Fareed
JEDDAH — As the final seconds ticked off the clock last Saturday afternoon, another successful International Schools Basketball Tournament at Al-Ahli Club came to an exciting conclusion.
The team from Dar Jana International School made its fans proud with the Under 18 team finishing in first place, while Al-Kon (Global) International School emerged Under 16 winner for the second year in a row.
The Dar Jana U-18 team dominated its opponent Al-Kon (Global) International School to win the final at 60-55. The same schools met in the U-16 final and it was clinched by Al-Kon (Global) International School.
The 4th International Schools Basketball Tournament 2017 was organized by Saudi Basketball Academy headed by Saudi former basketball star Mohammed Khamis, and sponsored by Faris Group.
The event provided some great competition and unforgettable finishes. Many competitive games throughout the tournament made it exciting to watch as classes of elementary and middle and high school students surrounded the courts to cheer on the teams during the tournament.
At the closing ceremony, Khamis welcomed their guests and participants and expressed his pleasure to see such a great crowd in the final match of the tournament. He said: “The tournament brought together young talented basketball players from the international schools here in Jeddah and we feel very proud to be able to make it successful for the 4th year in a row.”
He thanked all participants for their high level of sportsmanship and thanked the team worked to make this event a great success.
During the awarding ceremony, medals and trophies were distributed amidst the cheering and clapping crowd. Khamis along with Khalid Al-Shafae from the Education Ministry; Walid Al-Belowshi, GM of Faris Group; Ali Al-Sanhani, head coach of Al-Ittihad Basketball club; Ghassan Yanbawi, former captain of Al-Ittihad basketball club; and officials from Al-Ahli Club honored the winners.
Khamis also thanked the referees for ther wonderful service and awardeded them. They were Chairman Lito Dela Cruz, Jayson Mejid, Rodnee Catuday, Den Mark, Richard and Richard Lunas.
Well-known announcer Master Nestor Suliva, PBL-JOB Chairman, and Jon Azupardo, PBL-JOB commissioner/official, were also honored.
