RIYADH, 23 April 2006 — The first-ever International Foreign Schools Basketball Tournament ended here on a high note with Riyadh International School (RIS) emerging as champions of the two-month long tourney after outmaneuvering Nafethat Al-Mostaqbal School “Future Window School” 52-41 here at the General Presidency of Youth Welfare gymnasium.
King Khaled School too the third place. General Directorate of Education, Riyadh, organized the tournament.
The concluding ceremony was graced by the superintendent of the Educational Supervision Mohammad ibn Saleh Abu Bakr on behalf of Education and Learning Director, and the President of National and Foreign Learning Department, Khaled ibn Abdul Hameed Al-Qudhaib.
The final was also witnessed by chief of the Foreign Education Barrak ibn Saad Al-Barrak, Saleh ibn Ibrahim Al-Oqeily and Abdulelah Al-Mouina of Educational Supervision. Abdurahman Al-Mas’ad, secretary-general of the Saudi Arabian Basketball Federation (SABF), and officials of the Saudi Educational Department were also present.
In recognition of the special coverage by Arab News, Abdulelah Al-Mouina, on behalf of the organizing committee, presented a plaque of appreciation to the paper in presence of the Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena.
Leighton Camasura of RIS was emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Ideal Player trophy went to Abdurahman Al-Eissa of Nafethat Al-Mostaqbal, while Elite International School received the Ideal Team trophy. “I would like to thank my team for doing their best” Camasura said, adding, “Here we are not only representing the RIS but the Philippines, too, because this tournament is composed of all nationalities.”
Coach Ping Dizon and players of RIS’ dedicated their victory to (retd) Maj. Gen. Abdulkarim Al-Eidan and his son Abdullah Al-Edian for their unwavering support to the team.
The Superintendent of the Educational Supervision Abu Bakr presented a memento to Prince Talal ibn Badr ibn Saud, president of the Saudi and Arab Union for Basketball, for his support and encouragement.
SABF was also given a plaque in appreciation for providing experience and technical support to make this championship a success.
Saudi referees honored at the function are Saud Al-Zuwaid, Ahmad Kurairi, Badr Al-Mutawa’h Abdulaizi Al-Humaid, Khaled Al-Basheer and Abdullah Al-Ajlan.
