If there is any sports that means the world to Filipino it’s basketball. The Kuliyah Basket 5 Brotherhood Games, organized by the Oman Colleges / Companies Basketball League was held at the Bousher Olympic Centre here on Friday.

Held under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy Muscat and Filcosoc, (Filipino Community Social Club), the league matches brought together several local teams as well as people from the community.

While the majority of the teams comprised Filipinos, there was one that was made up of only Omanis, the Bousher Club. Before the games actually got going, a fair amount of pageantry and ceremony added colour to the event. After a parade, a panel of judges judged participating teams for their turnout, for the smartness and designs of their uniforms, and for the Best Muse. Actually, the muses had a special role to play. They walked ahead of each contingent, carrying banners with the colours and names of the participating teams.

The team that won the first place in the Best Uniform competition

Anndie Leah D. Lambo from Team Barka Slashers was adjudged the Best Muse. And it wasn’t just for looks, poise and confidence. The Modern Engineering College – Ghafari Cozy Tailoring, won the first place for the team with the best uniform. Embassy officials Bernadette Mendoza and Ponciano Liguton along with Edgardo Lora, Chairman of the Oman Colleges /Companies Basketball League gave away mementos to the winners of both competitions.

Anndie Leah (right) receives the trophy for the Best Muse from Dr. Annie B. Domede

Before playoff began between teams Modern Engineering College and McDonald’s Oman, all participating players were administered the oath of sportsmanship by Mr. Randy Contojos, a Kuliyah Basket representative.

Earlier, Consul and Second Secretary B.Mendoza addressed the gathering and said: “. As far as sports go, basketball is the first love for all Filipinos. Tournaments such as this one not only bring about greater bonding among people of our community, but also foster closer ties of friendship and fraternity with our Omani brothers and sisters”.

It’s time for the actual games to begin with Modern Engineering College – Ghafari Cozy Tailoring and McDonald’s Oman poised for the play-off with the league referees and officials.

The felicitation of all sponsors was done by Dr. Annie B. Domede.