Bethel Youth Ministries basketball team pose for a photo after being crowned champions over the weekend. Photo by UgCN.
By Aaron Sseruyigo & Karen Alecho
Bethel Youth Ministries won the second edition of the Inter- Church Basketball Coalition tournament ‘Above The Realm’ that took place on Saturday at the MTN Arena – Lugogo in Kampala
The tournament seeks at spreading the gospel through the platform of basketball, uniting Christian youth from different churches across the country.
Bethel Youth Ministries qualified for the finals where the team scored 44 points against Watoto (38 points) to win the trophy.
Bethel was commended by the crew behind the tournament, Mr Shadrack Kuteesa and Mr Ronnie Habasa of Vine Entertainment Group, for not only winning the trophy but also exhibiting the game’s core values.
The Bethel basketball team head coach Mr Nelly Kony who is also a student at Uganda Christian University – Mukono spoke to Uganda Christian News about their victory.
“The tournament has been really good. We tried sometime back, and didn’t make it. But this time around, I promised the Church that I will do my best to see that we win the tournament,” he said amid celebrations at the sports grounds.
The tournament required non-league players. Churches that participated include; Watoto Church, Miracle Centre Rubaga, Mavuno Church, Worship Harvest, Worship House – Nansana, VCC, Bugolobi Church of the Resurrection, Calvary Chapel, All Saints Cathedral, Bugolobi Church of the Ressurection, St Stephen’s Church Kisugu, St Andrews Church (Bukoto), Divine Ministries, Miracle centre Kawempe, Life Church Namasuba, Miracle Centre Kireka, Bethel Youth Ministries, Our Savior and Exodus Ministries.
“This tournament brought unity among the players. Often times, basketball leagues bring people together, and the game has a message to the youth. Because it was a Church tournament, we had to bring them and show them how things are done. It is not about basketball without Christ. It can’t work that way,” Mr Nelly Kony said.
“Personally, I was going to play but because they said league players are not allowed, I had to step back. The tournament required non-league players. I had to collect the boys. I said, let me take this initiative and coach. I am so happy that my boys did it, and I made it for the Church,” he added.
What next? Mr Nelly Kony said that some of his players will join an already established basketball league. “I will also look for other players who are not in any league, but in high-school. I will be with them, and prepare them. Whenever the Church calls us, we shall respond accordingly,” he said.
Among Females, Exodus scored 33 points during its final match with Bethel to win the trophy. Most Valuable Player among males was Kizito Paul and Ajuma Regina for the females.
The tournament included performances from various gospel artists and deejays.
