Among those that were present and spoke at the gala event, was Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, Banks DIH Executive, Carlton Joao and organiser, Chris Bowman.

Anthony told an impressive crowd at the Sports Hall that his ministry will be entering into a deal with Street Solutions to help in the development of schools’ basketball. He said that what he saw at venue yesterday was encouraging for the sport.

Most of the 32 participating teams including those from Kwakwani and New Amsterdam turned up with friends and family to witness the opening ceremony that integrated cultural presentations for the first time in its five-year history yesterday.

The minister also took part in the jump ball for the first game that featured Saint Stanislaus College and Plaisance Academy in an Under-15 battle. The competition will also have Under-18 and Open games and is expected to continue today.