DAMMAM, 23 November — The Overseas Filipino Workers Congress (OFWC) 2nd Open Basketball Conference 2002 successfully kicked off last Friday at the Al-Nadah Club Sports Complex with a parade of the 26 participating teams, including four junior teams representing international schools.
Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis was the guest of honor. He praised OFWC for organizing the tournament.
The opening of the tournament was highlighted with musical presentations by Timpuyog Ilocano in Saudi Arabia (TISA) singers Louie Nolasco, Aimhan Doh, Richard Valenton and Bert Relosa. Child performers Kimverlie Molina, Jasmine Mae Abrenica, Anne Bernadette Indefenso, and Sheeree Ann dela Paz from the Fil Pop Music Club also rendered their winning songs. The IPSA Dance Troupe and the dancing duo of Rey and Ronal Pita also performed special numbers.
The full capacity crowd, a big number representing teachers and students of the international schools, was delighted with friendly exhibition games played by the junior teams. The PSD Knights of the Philippine School in Dammam defeated the Rahima Academy team, which was coached by Eugene Wright. Dhahran Academy, handled by Cy Krygsman, lost to the International Philippine Schools in Al Khobar (IPSA/PTA).
Two games were initially played. In the first game, Saif Desert Fox defeated Barangay Saudi Telecome 60-58. In the second game, Surigaonon/Armed Forces Hospital routed Worley Arabia Ltd. 101-57.
The best in uniform awards were given to both the junior and senior teams. Worley Arabia Ltd. Was adjudged the team with the best in uniform in the senior category, while PSD and IPSA/PTA tied for the best in uniform award on the junior category.
Tournament Officials headed by tournament director — Rey G. Barraca, Assistant Tournament Directors; Cisco "Boy" Delos Santos, Jhun C. Garcia & Raul Gonzales, Head of Technical Committee – Tony Mampusti & Edgar Bauyon, while the Organizing Committee Chairman is headed by Ruben Ramos.
