RIYADH, 26 September 2007 — The 6th 3-on-3 street basketball tournament dubbed Panasonic Street Basketball Championship kicked off on Sunday night at Iceland area on Prince Sultan Street. The event attracted more than 300 players of 120 teams coming from all over the Makkah region.
The tournament is part of the annual Ramadan activities launched by Publicis Graphics Agency with a view to develop basketball in the Kingdom and bring out new talents among the Saudi youth.
The annual Ramadan tournament drew praise from Prince Talal bin Badr, president of the Saudi Basketball Federation and the federation’s general secretary Abdulrahman Al-Musaad.
Meanwhile, Feras Al-Madah, head of the organizing committee, said the tournament is designed to provide fun and competition for all ages and skill levels. “There are no admission charges and spectators are encouraged to attend the fun and thrill of basketball.” he said.
He pointed out that this year’s tournament has attracted a large number of teams coming from various parts of Jeddah, Makkah and Taif. “Our main goals behind holding this tournament for the sixth year in a row is to create a positive atmosphere for those the youth of all ages especially basketball lovers, to bring this game to a high standard and most importantly search for new talents,” he said.
The organizing committee has put up a cash prize of SR10,000 for the first place winners and SR5,000 for the runners up. “Not only that but we also give away many prizes and gifts to spectators by holding various contests such 3 point shots, slam dunks and free throws,” Al-Madah said.
Panasonic, Burger King and Iqra TV are the tournament sponsors.
