JEDDAH, 14 May 2004 — Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla opened the 12th ALJ Invitational Basketball Tournament at the newly refurbished ALJ basketball court in Al-Safa District last Friday.

More than 1,000 basketball aficionados were present as Guinomla delivered the inspirational message. He acknowledged the organizers and the fans and said that with their attendance, it shows that "basketball is almost the national sport of the Filipinos wherever they maybe."

Thirty-three teams from four divisions paraded with their colorful uniforms and muses.

Judges had a hard time finding the winners, but wrote down their choices, Best Muse for ALJ-Inter Department category went to ALJ Head Office, for Inter-Company Bonafide, Al-Arabi Décor, for Inter-Hospital, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh, and for Open Non-Rated, Bridgestone-Bugshan.

Sheikh Mohamed Jameel, president of the ALJ Group of Companies, is the tournament's main sponsor.

Lending a hand are following generous companies, Arab News, Samsung Electronics, Siemens Mobile Phone Tell Communication, Al-Quraishi Trading Company, Qatar Airways, Hussain Aoueini & Company Ltd., Dora Appliances, Power Horse, Giordano Fashions, Red Sea Paints, Boholano Investors Group, Nivea Cream, ABS-CBN, The Filipino Channel, Calson Management Services, Danon Al-Safi, Danube Hypermart, Gandour Confectioneries, Crowne Plaza Hotel, and SkyFreight Forwarders.

After the ceremony, Bridgestone defeated Bukabin All-Stars 64-44, while Dr. Soliman Fakeeh edged King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital 78-69. Both games were exhibition matches.

The Basketball Officials Group of Jun Lansang are the tournament's referees. Jojo Ligan, chairman of the Overseas Filipino Sports Organization was the opening ceremony's master of ceremonies and the tournament's sportscaster.

Games of the 12th ALJ Invitational Tournament are on Thursdays and Fridays.