The rivalry between Somali youth of Ottawa and Toronto continues as the Ottawa youth basketball team defeated Toronto youth Basketball at Ridgemont High School, Saturday May 03, 2009.
This event was based on an ongoing long tradition between the Somali youth of Ottawa and Toronto youth. It has started during the early nineties by few Somali community activists who believed in empowering young Somalis through the game of basketball and enhancing the unity among the Somali communities in Canada.
Ever since then; the Toronto and Ottawa youth have developed a long lasting friendship that produced a great bond between both Somali communities. As one spectator, Mohamed Yusuf, said “Although I live in Ottawa; but some of my best friends are in Toronto now” he continued to say “It was 15 years ago when I met them through this type of basketball competition”. To the coaching staff and the organizers of this event; it was about creating an environment to make good friends and continue the long tradition between both cities.
This event was made possible by the members of the Somali community of Ottawa, Specially the Ottawa Youth who made a financial contribution to the accommodations of Toronto Basketball Team. They have raised almost $1000 for their Hotel accommodations. Most of these young men were former players of Ottawa Somali Basketball Team who understood the meaning of this event.
Game # 1 Ottawa Juniors 82 Toronto Juniors 45
Game # 2 Ottawa Veterans 62 Ottawa All-stars 59
Game # 3 Ottawa Seniors 92 Toronto Seniors 70
This event was hosted by Yusuf Mohamed a former coach and a player of Ottawa Somali Basketball Team. Yusuf has a long track record with Somali youth as someone who always dedicates his time and energy to the Somali youth. He is currently working as a Youth Coordinator for the Somali Center for Family Services in Ottawa.
Special thanks to the coaches of SCYL Toronto; coach Ali Abukar, coach Sadiq Alihashi and coach Abdifatah Warsame, who made it possible for Toronto Youth to take part in this event. These individuals have volunteered their time to help Toronto Somali youth by proving guidance, leadership skills, self empowerment and educational counseling.
Abdifatah Warasame has summed up this event by saying” young people need some guidance as they seek out their place in the world. They need opportunities to try new things, to learn, to make mistakes and try again to develop as individuals and as members of the community. Youth development is about helping young people to make the transition to being happy, productive and successful adults.”
Source: HOL
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