Kwara Vets Win 2023 Independence Day  Basketball Tourney

Kwara Vets on Sunday at  the Dolphins Indoor Sports Hall, Punch Estate, emerged winners of the 2023 Independence Day Veteran Basketball competition.

In a highly competitive encounter, the side from Kwara narrowly edged out ANBB Philippines 46-43 to emerge winner of this year’s edition of the competition. 

To qualify for the finals, Kwara Vets defeated VOA Abuja 43-36, while the Philippines side got the better of OBV Oyo, 39-38.

Hoops Dream team from Ibadan was also on ground to  take on Dolphins in an exhibition match which ended 22 to 17 in favour of the host.

According to one of the organisers and CEO of Hoops Dream, Damola Awosika, the Independence Day Basketball Tournament is a competition of veteran basketball players which started about  eight years ago, involving teams from Nigeria and Ghana.

“Its an opportunity for us as older players to network and keep fit. The Ghanaian team have not missed a single edition since we started the competition, which shows the love and commitment they have for the game.

“To add to the glamour of this year, a filipino side is also participating,” Awosika said.

For Adetola Ajaguna, a director at Ile Wura Nigeria Limited, sponsoring basketball is seen as part of her company’s social responsibility.

“We sponsor the Hoops Dream and this is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.  At Ile Wura, developing youths is our core value. What Hoops Dream stands for is to develop talents in basketball from the ages of five to 18. That is why in all our estates in Ile Wura we have a basketball court. 

The event ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding players and individuals that have contributed to the growth and sustenance of the Independence Day Basketball Competition.

Six teams participated in this year’s edition, which is in its eighth year.