Image Credit: Courtesy of The Indo-American Christian Children of Chicago and North America (ICCCNA)
Chicago: The Indo-American Christian Children of Chicago and North America (ICCCNA) recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its annual Youth Basketball Championship Tournament.
Held at the Olympia Park District in Chicago, Illinois, the event brought together youth players from across the state in a remarkable display of sportsmanship, unity, and community spirit.
The tournament marked a significant milestone in the ICCCNA's mission of fostering friendship through sports.
The tournament, founded by Dr. Regi Paul in 1999, has consistently promoted community awareness on issues such as safe driving, autism, and cancer prevention.
This year’s championship continued that tradition, with various motivational speakers, including Attorney Joel and NBC Sports' Anthony Gill, encouraging players to focus on success both on and off the court.
The final game saw the "Legends" emerge victorious, defeating "See Red" 71-51, with Japheth Bandi named MVP for his outstanding performance, scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, a special Three-Point Shooting Championship was held, with Bandi also taking the crown in this event.
Reflecting on the tournament's enduring legacy, Dr. Paul emphasized its role in promoting youth health and exercise while fostering lasting bonds in the Indo-American community.
"The Basketball Tournament is designed to reduce Teenage Juvenile Diabetes and to increase physical exercise among our children and youth," he said.
The event concluded with celebrations, awards, and a strong call for continued community engagement in sports, as organizers look ahead to fostering the next generation of players through initiatives like the newly introduced Children’s Basketball Team Championship.