SPORT IN ACTION SITES SHINE IN 2023 YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE CLOSING TOURNAMENT

In an amazing display of skill and sportsmanship, four teams from Sport in Action Hub-Sites participated in the fiercely contested 2023 Youth Basketball League closing tournament. The tournament took place from Friday, December 15th, to Sunday, December 17th, bringing together talented young athletes from Munali, Kanyama, Kabwata, Fountain of Hope, and Chipata Compound Hub-sites among other teams in the YBL across Lusaka.

The teams were divided into five age-appropriate categories: under 8, under 10, under 12, under 15, and under 18. The tournament witnessed an extraordinary showcase of basketball skills as these young athletes battled it out on the court.

Sport in Action teams proved to be a dominant force, securing their presence in the medal bracket at every level from under 8 through to under 18. The only exception was the girls’ final game, where Lilanda Heat encountered Dolphins. This exciting matchup occurred after the Sport in Action girls teams were eliminated in the quarter and semi-final stages.

Stellar performances saw the following teams clinching First place in their respective categories: SIA Scorpions in the under 8 and under 10 divisions, and Kabwata Tigers in the under 15 categories. The Kabwata team also showed their strength by securing second place in the under 18 division.

Individual talents were also recognized, with four-year-old Ruth Banda from SIA Scorpions being awarded the title of Most Valuable Player in the under 8 category And Brian from Kabwata Tigers in the under 15. Additionally, the Most Disciplined Player awards were presented to Frank Phiri (SIA Scorpions) for the under 12 category, Shadreck Kamanga (SIA Scorpions) for the under 15 category, and George Likezo (Kabwata Tigers) for the under 18 category.

This tournament not only showcased the incredible basketball talent from these young athletes but also saw Whyness Mvula from Dolphins Academy and Israel Sinkamba from Bulldogs academy under 18 being awarded with full university scholarships from Cavendish University Zambia to study any program of their choice. The two where Voted as the Most Valuable Players in the under 18 boys and Girls Categories.All participants showed great determination and dedication, making the event a thrilling success.