The West Region’s annual Yogi Cup Basketball Tournament, held in San Jose, CA, spanned a total of three days, from December 28-30 2011. With over 60 kishores as well as the regional and national Swamis, in attendance, the three-day event was full of enjoyment.
The first day had fun ice-breakers to help team members get to know each other. The tournament took place on the morning of the second day, and consisted of about ten six-player teams. Each team played through six-regular season games on full courts. On the final day, however, the teams were put to the real test with single-elimination playoff games, in order to determine which team was the best. Before the final two teams faced off, every team participated in an all-star break consisting of: a three point contest, skills challenge,and stars shootout. The all-star event was an opportunity for all team members to participate as each team selected players for certain events.
Finally, at the end of the tournament, the winners of each all-star event, along with the Yogi Cup Championship Team, received trophies for their hard work and effort during the two-day tournament. It was a great weekend event for all the kishores who attended. The Yogi Cup Tournament really brought the region together. The kishores bonded through basketball and other activities, but there was also time allotted for Satsang development. Kishores and Karyakars discussed various topics during their gosthis, sang along to live chesta, and listened to discourses by revered swamis during their evening program.
Overall, this year’s Yogi Cup Tournament was a huge success and many kishores had a great time. They got to meet new and old faces from across the region. And they will definitely be back next year for a shot at winning the championship trophy.