All winners of the tournament gather for a group photo with coaches and officials, including Obaid Madani (far right), Managing Director, Coach Mohannad Shobain, Head Coach Umar Abdul Salam, Coach Mohammad Shobain, Coach Ziad Numan, Operation Manager Ahmad Yousef. Umar Abdul Salam Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH – This week Jeddah United Sports Co. organized a basketball tournament to promote honey as an energy substance for kids and youth and as a healthy alterative to the supplements in the market. Al-Shifa which is part of Al-Sunbulah Group, sponsored the basketball tournament for the third year as part of its community initiative to promote energy through the sports culture and Jeddah United's mission to teach team values and cooperation, teamwork and role playing, respect for your opponent, time and self management skills, and bring out and develop leadership qualities in kids and youth. Al-Shifa provided Honey Milkshakes to the players, parents and guests along with gifts of honey for all. Captain Y's restaurant was in attendance with snacks, salads and popcorn. The afternoon started with two teams of JU-8 to 10-year-olds, who wowed the audience with their skill level of dribbling, passing and shooting. Up next were the 7 to 9-year-olds who played just as hard. The real surprise of the evening was when the 5-year-old and under kids entered the court playing on lower baskets as an introduction to basketball and were just as polished as the older players. The 7 to 9-year-olds played next, then one more game with the 8 to 10-year-olds before the prizes were awarded. Jeddah United's concept of every child at that non-competitive level receives prizes reinforces the team concept. When playing basketball the one who makes a good pass, steals the ball, plays good defense, gets a rebound, dribbles well, or makes a good shot all add to the team effort. This concept is taught to the players and enhances their self esteem. The team leaders are also recognized for their extra efforts thus inspiring the rest of the players to reach for that goal. The coaches tell the kids good shot, pass, defense, or good job at every good move that is made on the court. This technique adds to the fun of the game and their skills improve quickly. The real success comes from parent participation which inspires the kids to achieve in front of their parents. This combination has been helping Jeddah United give quality instruction to the community since its inception. The partnerships between Jeddah United and the private sectors have given great value to the players, coaches, and managers and its vision enables to create a healthy and strong generation through sports.
