Tournament Organizer Grateful For Community Response
Story and Photos by Robert Thomas
Putting on a major basketball tournament like the 2023 Moose Jaw Senior Girls Basketball Invitational is a lot of work and would not be possible without many people taking part, volunteering their time or participating.
The same also goes for the local business community and their response.
All of things coming together is something one of the tournament organizers Brendan Fedoski said he is thankful for to everyone involved.
A Side championship final action on Saturday between the Sheldon Williams Spartans (dark uniforms) and the Swift Current Ardens - MJ Independent photo
Running this past Thursday to Saturday the tournament, that was back after a three year hiatus because of the COVID - 19 pandemic, saw 16 teams and 175 athletes competing.
The tournament competition was intense with the fifth place game a loud - to say the least - barnburner between the host Peacock Toilers and Vanier Spirits.
“For the first time in three years I thought it was tremendous. Great local support from businesses. Local support from our fans, players and their parents. I have to thank Peacock parents for sure for putting in a bunch of time and effort,” tournament organizer Brendan Fedoski said speaking to MJ Independent during the after tournament cleanup.
A Side championship final action on Saturday between the Sheldon Williams Spartans (dark uniforms) and the Swift Current Ardens - MJ Independent photo
Fan support was great he said thanking all of the fans “not only from Peacock and Moose Jaw from over all of the province. It was tremendous,” Fedoski said.
For local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses ten out of the 16 teams did not return home at night but stayed in Moose Jaw.
None of the teams stayed overnight in the school as they had in the past.
A Side championship final action on Saturday between the Sheldon Williams Spartans (dark uniforms) and the Swift Current Ardens - MJ Independent photos
“I want to say thank to all of the local businesses for donating and sponsoring this tournament. Without them it really wouldn't be able to happen,” he said.
Businesses gave prizes for the penny parade as well as cash to help cover the costs of the tournament.
A Side championship final action on Saturday between the Sheldon Williams Spartans (dark uniforms) and the Swift Current Ardens - MJ Independent photo
One business was on location throughout the tournament - Kona Ice - had their indoor portable unit at Peacock.
“It was great for them. It was great for us. Everyone loves Kona Ice so why not?” he said.
A portion of their sales went to the tournament.
