Siparia provided the best three-player combination to take away $2,500 and champions' status, when the team copped the OAS three-one-three Basketball Challenge Tournament, which took place at the South Western Indoor Sports Arena, Point Fortin, on Sunday.
In the end, Shem Grant of the winning team was voted most valuable player of the lot. He helped his team through the final and eventually to a comfortable 10�6 win over Fyzabad. In the third-place playoff, Point Fortin defeated La Brea 9�6. Ten matches were played in the preliminary stage, before the top four teams, Point Fortin, La Brea, Siparia and Fyzabad contested the semifinals. All teams, Siparia ($2,500), Fyzabad ($1,000), Point Fortin ($500), La Brea ($500) and Penal ($500) walked away with cash prizes.
The event was opened by Rodrigo Ventura, OAS Superintendent for the Caribbean and Venezuela.
The officials were led by FIBA Commissioner Keith Clement together with three referees, four table officials and two operations staff members.
The Construtora OAS is the Contractor building the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin. The tournament was designed to help the mobilisation of these communities in an effort to bring a better understanding of the highway benefits and the construction works being conducted in and around the participating communities.
The company also had many players sign employment application forms. The event is also designed to strengthen the relations between communities and foster friendships and brotherhood among individuals who are all striving for social development and a better way of life.
OAS has gained the support of both Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the National Infrastructure Developmental Company Ltd (Nidco). The event was organised by Gold Medal Sports Company, the operators of the Super 10 Basketball League franchise.
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