DUBAI, 23 January 2004 — As the countdown begins for the 15th Dubai International Championship being held "during DSF 2004, Emirates Airline has thrown down the gauntlet with its title defending champions, Champville.
As it did last year, the airline is sponsoring the team throughout the year, both at the championship in Dubai and in the various competitions in Lebanon.
"We are pleased to be associated with Champville, first-class champions who have proved their mettle on-court. By sponsoring the team, Emirates is hoping to boost their chances and morale to defend their title at the Dubai International Championship this year," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates' manager — UAE.
While the team became champions of the Dubai International Tournament last year, in 2001-02 this Lebanese high school team also set a new record in FLB (Federation of Lebanese Basketball) after scoring 14 straight wins.
Foud Abou Chcra, Champville's head coach, vowed: "We will be back in Dubai for a repeat of last year's championship. The team is fit and strong and everyone has been training very hard for the tournament. We are proud to have Emirates Airline as our sponsor and hope to win it again for them."
Club Mariste Champville was founded in 1966, but the present team was formed only in 1998. A number of players are already stars in their own right — adored by thousands and a role model for the youth in Lebanon and the Middle East. Antonio Madisson, the point guard for the team, has been playing with the team for the past three years.
He has netted the titles 'Best Player' of 2001-02 and 'Best Scorer' several times in his career. Ismaeel Ahmed plays in Egypt's national team and has won accolades such as 'Best Center' in Arab League and Best Player in Africa in 2000-01, 'Best Player' in the Arab League twice, and Best Player in Africa under 22 years in 1999.
Joseph Vogel is an acclaimed defender and shooter who has played with the national team in the World Championship. Scotty Thurman is a seasoned champion, having won the bronze medal at Goodwill Games in 1994 and declared the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) champion.
