JEDDAH, 5 April — If you have been following the world basketball scene, maybe you have heard of the "March to Atlanta". Yes, the much publicized, completely televised, ritzy NCAA Final Four has just reached its conclusion in Atlanta. Billed as the "Largest amateur basketball tournament in the world", the NCAA Final Four is a tough act to follow."
Well, move over Atlanta, because here comes the 1st IBA Final Four, Double Elimination Basketball Tournament! 32 Teams, equally poised, go head to head to see who is really the best team in Jeddah. Only four teams will make the Final Four and only one team will be Jeddah’s "Grand Champion". Double Elimination means you have to lose twice before you’re out of the competition.
Opening Day is scheduled for May 10 at the exclusive sports complex of Dhiafah Compound (also known as SKAB Compound), located on Malik Road in north Jeddah. Dhiafah’s expansive sports facilities feature three full size basketball courts, two tennis courts, a volleyball court, a swimming pool and a full size football field all surrounded by beautiful landscaping with a clean sea breeze. Play will be held every Thursday and Friday on the "Front" Court from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The tournament is scheduled to reach its climax on July 19 at the Grand Championship game! Tarik Abdullah Jawas, manager housing & rest. at Dhiafah’s modern Compound has welcomed the upcoming basketball tournament as an excellent sports activity and entertainment for the multitude of compound residents.
IBA, Islamic Basketball Association, is organizing the tournament in cooperation with the Islamic Education Foundation, Al Hamra Office. IEF Al Hamra Manager, Khalid Romaih has put his support behind the tournament as a "good cause to help the community". IEF Al Hamra is famous for arranging seminars for Islamic Scholars, holding lessons in mosques, distributing audio tapes, books and pamphlets on Islam, organizing field trips, arranging contests, as well guiding and educating new Muslims. Omar Bill Lowrey, IBA president, feels that the partnership between IBA and IEF is "ideal" as both have similar goals. "We are planning a fair, well organized basketball tournament in which participants of all nationalities and religions will be treated equally and justly."
Big awards are in the works as 48 awards, trophies and cups have already been approved. IBA is seeking the best cups and awards available in Jeddah. All awards are being donated by sponsors and will not be purchased from the "entrance fees" of the participating teams. Along side trophies, other valuable prizes are at stakes.
IBA is accepting the first 32 teams to pay the low SR550 entrance fee in cash, with no prejudices, on a first come first served basis. IBA reports several slots are still remaining, however no slots will be reserved, so it is advised that any team wishing to participate act quickly and don’t miss this exciting opportunity.
Al Haddaf Sportswear is tailoring uniforms for the IBA. They have made a special offer for participants of the Final Four tournament of 12 custom made, high quality uniforms for SR1200. (Note: Difficult or intricate logo designs will be extra charge).
Sponsors and teams seeking participation or more information can contact Omar Bill Lowrey at 699-3868 and 686-4153 or Mahmoud Protacio at 638-0881 ext. 319 or 056648840. You may also inquire by e-mail: [email protected]
