RIYADH, 28 February 2004 — After all the hard work and preparation the First Mindanao Overseas Workers Friendship Basketball Tournament sponsored by Arab News, the Middle East’s leading English language daily, opened yesterday at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel court here.
The groundbreaking event aims to promote unity, friendship and camaraderie among the tribes of the Bangsamoro people and, true enough, the list of attendees reads like a who’s who in the community.
The chief guest, Editor in Chief of Arab News Khaled Al-Maeena made the ceremonial toss of the ball. Joining Al-Maeena was Arab News Riyadh bureau chief Raid Qusti.
“I’m here because I like Filipinos. The Filipino community is the most organized community. It’s a pleasure to be here,” Al-Maeena told the crowd.
“Our job in newspaper is not just to write news, we have a role to play in the community,” Al-Maeena said. He said the Saudi-Filipino Friendship Society he established in Jeddah to promote understanding and friendship between Saudis and Filipinos should also be set up in Riyadh.
A parade of the nine participating teams highlighted the inaugurals. Picked the best team in uniform by Raid Qusti was Al Omar. Omar Mapandi, project engineer of Saudi Consulting Service, declared the tournament open.
The Council of Elders representing the major tribes namely Tausugs (Sulu), Maguindanaoans (Maguindanao) and Maranao (Lanao) took turns to speak: Dr. Alex Lucman from Maranao, Jackaria Hassan from Tausug, Nurguiaez Mohammad from Maguindanao and Jed Alonto from Maranao.
Also in attendance was community leader Wawi Mabaning. Abdulhannan Faisal Tago, chairman of the organizing committee who is also in the Council of Elders, introduced Al-Maeena who was presented with a certificate of appreciation.
Muthktar Julkipli, technical committee chairman, led the oath of sportsmanship, Sandatu Sabal presented the teams and Saidali Malik emceed the tournament opening. The day’s program began with a reading of the verses of Holy Qur’an by Camaroden Igal.
Arab News team whipped co-sponsor Manila Plaza 94-79 in an exhibition game that followed the inaugural rites.
These two teams are composed of the 30 all-stars from Lanao, Maguindanao and Sulu. The tournament goes full blast with games in the morning and evening next Friday.
The other teams entered in the tournament are Odessy, Rio Grande, Rock Land, Extra, Pacific Cargo, T. Falcon, WRJ and Greenland.
