Hargeisa-The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has emerged as the vicars of the Late Mohamed Rashid Muhumed Farah basketball tournament intended to promote social integration of local youth through promoting sports in the country.
The Late Mohamed Rashid Muhumed basketball tournament attracted the participation of 8 competing basketball teams and brought together youths from different social backgrounds for joint sporting activities which began 15 days ago.
TAMARTA and NAGAAD basketball teams squared off in the final during in a hotly contested basketball match played at the famous Tima Aade basketball court last night.
TAMARTA emerged as the vicar after it scored 34 points over their rivals NAGAAD 30 points.
Mr. Mohamed Hussien “Dhabeeye”, the director General in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs speaking during the event said “Sports are the greatest tool we have in today’s society to help our youth to develop positive character traits and life values.
“I want the youths to know, Somaliland government is know more than ever committed to support them the youth through sport. Such games are meant to help the youth stay away from drug abuse, illegal migration and other social vices.The youth should engage such sporting activities in the future”, Mr. Mohamed Hussein said.
“We are very glad our young players have been given this opportunity to take part in this important basketball tournament. The competition will help us pick the best youngsters who will automatically join the junior national team whom we hope to nurture and prepare well for future representation of Somaliland in international competitions.
Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh speaking during the event said, “I would like to use this opportunity to laud the organizers of these tournament for a job well done , Secondly I would also on behalf of the current government led by H.E President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo commitment to promote the youth of this nations
The Minster of Energy and Minerals Resources Added, “Even players on the losing team demonstrate their individual skills when playing—kicking, hitting, or catching the ball, or beating a personal record. Losing often motivates kids to work harder for next time.
Hon. Hussein Abdi Dualeh further promised more support for youth programs through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resource basketball team which is sponsored by his Ministry which supply’s them with uniforms and other sports kit with the hopes the tournament will help nurture football and basketball talent as well as help it pick the best sportsmen who will in the future represent Somaliland in future international tournament. He urged the sporting youth to enjoy the opportunity presented to them.
Mr. Mohamed Jama AKA Xuuto ,the chairman of Somaliland Journalist association “SOLJA” speaking during the basketball event said, “This is a very important event in Somaliland because youth are the most important and the largest group in the community. For the sake of integration, we hope this sporting event will help foster unity among the youth of Somaliland.
Mr. Mahmoud, the captain of Tamarta, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our talent. We really thank Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Ministry of Education and Higher Learning for organizing and funding this competition. The morale is very high among the boys and each one of us just wants to enjoy this rare sporting opportunity which will help foster friendship and integration among the youth of Hargeisa.
Among the other notable dignitaries present during the match were Mr. Ali Mohamed Ali, Presidential personal secretary newly appointed Hon. Bashe Awil Haji Omer, Somaliland ambassador to the UAE, Hon. Khadar Ali Gaas Presidential advisor on Media Affairs, Hon. Najax Presidential Advisor on Youth Affairs and Mr. Abdirizaq, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral.
The Late Mohamed Rashid Muhumed Farah basketball tournament was held under the auspices by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and closely managed by both the Somaliland Basketball Federation and the Football Federation, the two bodies that run football and basketball affairs in Somaliland.
SomalilandPress.com
