Press Release
Primary Schools Basketball Tournament
North East Lincolnshire Council's sports development unit organised the first primary schools basketball tournament for local schools on Friday 6 May at Grimsby Institute.
The prize at stake was the chance to represent North East Lincolnshire at the coveted Humberside Youth Games 2005 to be held in June.
After a hotly contested group stage, five of the nine teams were eliminated after what can only be described as some remarkable basketball for primary school children.
The third and fourth place playoff was contested by Scartho Primary School's A team and St. Joseph's Primary.
The Final was to prove the closest contest of all games played that afternoon. The favoured Welholme Primary School's A team were matched up against Grange Junior School. After an exhausting effort by both teams the game finished level at the buzzer.
Nick Dawson, humber sports partnership basketball development officer, said: "What next? Sudden Death. One player from each school was selected, with Grange winning the toss. The Rules? You score - you win, simple as that.
"Grange's chosen player stepped up, took a deep breath and let fly his shot. The ball hit the rim rolled around the edge and dropped out. So it was down to Welholme Primary schools chosen player. With ice water running through her 10 year old veins, she stepped to the line and without hesitation sealed the victory with a shot that was nothing but net.
"So out of nine teams made up from seven schools, Welholme Primary School reigned supreme over the tournament. A great afternoon was had by all."
Each young student athlete received an hours coaching delivered by the local basketball development group coaches prior to the tournament, enhancing the reputation of this voluntary but hard working group.
Councillor Lowis, portfolio holder for regeneration said: "This was the biggest basketball event in the region for a long time, it is great for the young people and hopefully can have a positive impact upon themselves and their surrounding communities."
For information on how to take up basketball as a player, a coach or an official, or how schools can get involved in the next primary schools basketball tournament contact Nick Dawson on 01472 323389 or 07730014290 or e-mail nick.dawson@nelincs.gov.uk
13th May 2005
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