The Tribune

THE Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force will once again team up for the 10th Annual Sprite Basketball Tournament.

Young men will work together and compete on nine district teams to win the coveted title of Sprite basketball champions, while learning new skills in a friendly, safe environment.

Each summer for the past decade, CBC has funded the Sprite Basketball Tournament, as well as providing all materials for the players and coaches. CBC also provides prizes and giveaways for players, while keeping all participants hydrated with Sprite and Dasani water.

"The Sprite Basketball Tournament was created by CBC as a way to offer support to the various communities, around New Providence, that we serve," noted Nikia Wells, CBC marketing manager of communications.

"We found a unique way to bring together young men, from a number of different community districts, for a fun, engaging event. Over the years, Sprite Basketball has truly created a positive environment for these young players. Not only have they bonded as friends, but these young men have also built strong relationships with the police officers who coach and mentor them."

The four-week tournament is scheduled to begin on July 2 at the Carmichael Road Police Station and will culminate on July 27 with a championship game at the Kendall G L Isaac's Gymnasium.

"Over the past [decade] the Sprite Basketball Tournament has become a highlight of the youth programmes the RBPF is involved in.

"This programme not only allows us, as the police body, to pass on valuable team building and professional skills to young men, but it also helps us to foster relationships with these young men, which is invaluable," noted ASP Johnson, of the RBPF.

"Without CBC's continued support in organising and financing this programme, none of this would have been possible."

For more information on CBC's ongoing support of community events, please visit www.cbcbahamas.com