Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey organized the semi final and the final matches of Pawo Thupten Ngodup Basketball tournament on August 24th. There were sixteen teams but only 14 played as two withdrew from the tournament. One thing we remain proud is that the referees were Tibetan this time during the semi final and final matches. The referees did a wonderful job with the smooth game.
The game was managed and primarily organized by Rinzin Tenpa who is the sports secretary of TYC of NY & NJ. This year we had to apply for the permit from the department of parks and recreation of NYC. Despite the time frame of advance notice Mr. Tenpa was able to acquire the permit in short time with much efforts. He hopes that the tournament be held in a better court or if possible in an indoor court. We will try our best to look for an indoor basketball court next year.
The final score was 19 by refugee of Boston and 31 of Druk where Druk won the game. The game turned out to be an interesting one. We had a big turnout of spectators.
There were nine players from Druk i.e., Gyaltsen, Jigme Namgyal, Joey Dorjee, Karma Dhendup, Kinglay Tenzin, Kunzan Wangdi, Namgay Thinley, Pema Dorjee and Phuntsok.
There were seven players from Refugee team i.e., Tashi Gyaltsen, Tamdin, Kelsang, Chime, Gyaltsen, Tashi Tsepak and Lobsang.
This year we had a special trophy for Most Valuable Player, which was won by Jigme Gorap of D.C. All Star team.
The President of TYC of NY & NJ, Vice President Karma Tsering and President of Tibetan Association of NY & NJ presented the trophies. The President gave an impressive speech for the closing ceremony. The trophies will be presented on Mangtso Duchen, which will be celebrated on August 30 2003 at Armenian Church on 2nd Avenue between 34 and 35th street.
Sonam Topgyal,
Joint Secretary,
Tibetan Youth Congress of NY & NJ.
