Grenadines Hoops Championship Opens in Union Island
Intense hoop action dominated the scene in Union Island over the weekend, as the Sixth Annual Grenadines Championship bounced off on Friday May 16th to an exciting start. Defending Champions Union Island All-Stars won all three of their games over the three-day period, defeating Mustique, Mayreau and Carriacou, but the Bequia All-Stars have taken the lead in the standings, after winning all three games against Mustique, Mayreau and Carriacou with the best goal diffference. The Canouan Islanders also came out to play, winning their first three matchups for the first time ever, to take 2nd position to date. The Union Island All-Stars are close on their backs in third. The Mustique Icon and Mayreau Kings competed well but unfortunately lost a disappointing three games each. Fans were rewarded well in all nine games of the weekend’s sports entertainment, with spectacular dunks, blocks and defense on display, as testimony to the obvious wealth of talent in the Grenadines.
The Official March Past took place on Saturday night, with all six teams parading along the main street in Ashton towards the hard court, followed by brief Opening Ceremony. Southern Grenadines Parliamentary Representative Hon. Terrence Ollivierre gave an address welcoming the teams and encouraging all to play with discipline and sportsmanship. He renewed his support for the competition, and recognized that the geography of the Grenadines proves a serious financial challenge for such an event. He applauded the contributions from the sponsors to this end. Tournament co-ordinator Sabrina Mitchell highlighted the collaboration of the administrative bodies in the Grenadines and the unity and strength that prevails within, thereby ensuring a successful competition. She welcomed newly-elected President of the Southern Grenadines Association, Mr. Junior Campbell and wished him the best of luck. She gave a special welcome to the Mayreau Kings, who entered the competition at the last minute. She commended them for their efforts despite their inability to train or prepare, due to their hard court being temporarily out, and under construction by mobile telecommunications provider Digicel. She thanked Adonal Foyle for his continued support as well as the contributions from the Mustique Company, Grenadines Airlines, Tamarind Beach and Frangipani Hotel who partner in the effort.
Next weekend’s games promise to be the determining factor in the final four, and standings, as the tournament’s big match ups are fixtured. Friday night will see long term rivals Bequia All-Stars and Union Island All-Stars face off in a much-anticipated match in Bequia at 7:30pm at the Clive Tannis Hard court. IN Canouan, Mustique, Carriacou and Mayreau will be fighting to determine fourth position, and a spot in the semi finals. The Canouan Islanders, playing with renewed energy this year, face their two toughest opponents this weekend versus Union Island on Saturday and Bequia on Sunday, as they host games at the Canouan Hard court.
The tournament concludes in Bequia June 1st with the finals and trophy presentation.