RIYADH, 27 February 2004 — The MOW’s Friendship Basketball Tournament Organizing Committee has taken all steps in preparing for the opening ceremony of the “First Mindanao Overseas Workers Basketball Tournament” sponsored by the Middle East’s leading English language daily, Arab News, to be held at the Sheraton Riyadh Basketball complex today.
The organizers have created 5 different committees headed by the council of elders to supervise and monitor the tourney. Likewise, 35 peacekeepers along with community leaders will be assigned to maintain peace and order.
Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled Al-Maeena, the guest of honor, will inaugurate the tournament. The tourney will bring together for the first time, the all-stars basketball players from Lanao, Maguindano and Sulu in an exhibition game at the opening ceremony.
The 30 all-stars will be mixed-up and divided into two teams. Fifteen players will play under the banner of Arab News and the other 15 will represent Manila Plaza, a co-sponsor of the tournament. Participating audience will be entertained by 11 contingent teams. Four teams from Lanao, 4 others from Maguindanao and 3 from Sulu will compete in this friendship tournament.
The tourney will be officiated and supervised by the following organizing committees and various community organizations, associations and clubs from the major tribes in the Philippines; Lanao, Maguindanao and Sulu: Council of Elders and Advisers: Jackaria Hassan of WEMOWA-Sulu, Amen Panolong of Ranao, Nurguiaiz Mohammad of Maguindanao and Omar Mapandi. Tournament Director Secretariat and PR Committee: Sandatu Sabal, tournament secretary general, Professor Taher Nalg, writer and announcer, Saidali Malik, press writer and announcer and Mohammad Deen, webmaster and sports writer.
Technical Committee and members: Mukhtar Julkipli, chairman, Zamil Zaman, vice chairman, Wahid Ago, Nasser Palwa, Allan Magumpara, Farouk Radia, Omar Pasadaba, Abdurajak Amilasan and Hassan Diamla. Peacekeeper Committee and Members: Idris Tiburon, chairman, Abdul Karim Datudacula, vice chairman, Gaffar Dimalotang, Aslani Biston, Rakiin Malawad, Abddullah Malo, Nasser Makalaba, Ansari Didatu, Aliyasa Sulaiman, Nasrudin Mapandi, Lantong Paglala, Omar Alawi, Cosari Ali, Alawiya Alamada, Ibnosaud Egil, Nuruddin Sarail, Maualana Yasin, Abulbaki Abdulkahil, Abdulatif Jailani, Nasser Nanong, Shamer Abullatif, Dhams Abdulrahman, Gadi Albani, Benhur Yaheya, Baorie Maulana, Kudsiman Inda, Ahmad Pakir, Rashid Abdulkadir, Allan Manalao, Sahid Abdul, Nasser Unting, Ahmad Paglala, Nasser Adil Haron and Ishak Abdullah.
Finance and Budgeting Committee and Members: Abddullah Magumpara, treasurer, Mukhtar ‘Mark’ Jumaani and Rayyan Muzor. Preparation and Decorating Committee and Members: Abulkhair Amerol, chairman, Abulfatah Amerol, Yusoph Jalal, Munib Usman and Rashdi Bairulla.
The guest of honor will distribute gifts bearing the Arab News logo during the opening ceremony. The Filipino Confederation of Basketball Referees (FCBR) headed by Alex Sanchez, a well-known veteran referee, Ernie Dela Cruz, vice president and Ed Tamayo, PRO, have been chosen as referees for this tournament.
