Whatever your background, shooting hoops and having fun was common ground during a free single-day basketball tournament in Cromwell on Sunday.

The Unity Hoops tournament saw players represent their home countries, meet new people, hone their basketball skills, and mix and mingle after the games over some shared kai (food).

Champions Elite beat the Kiwi Flyers in an overtime thriller to win by two points then the teams met again in the final, and Elite took the win 27 points to 25 with a buzzer beating basket.

Elite player Ardie Calvo said it’s good to see people playing basketball from other countries.

“[It was] good exposure, camaraderie and great experience playing against those guys and good food too.”

Pictured are (from left) Elite player Kent Wabe, with other award winners Andrew Sayco, Ezra Gatmen, Rommel Pugoy, Ardie Calvo, Lane O'Connell, Maz Connell, Miliasa Finau and with Central Lakes Basketball representative Jackie Kukata. PHOTO: Cromwell Newcomers 

Kiwi Flyers player and Dunstan High School student Maz Connell (16), whose team came second, said the event was good and social, bringing together the international people of Central Otago.

“It was very fun, there were lots of different styles of play from around the world and I will definitely join in again.” 

Cromwell Newcomers facilitator Sharon Smid said the action on the court was non-stop and the referees worked overtime throughout the day.

“All games were played in good spirit and it was great to see a good mix of youth and seasoned ballers come out for the day.”

Organisers looked forward to celebrating and connecting more people through sport again in 2025 and adding more sports to the next Unity Sports get together, Sharon said.

Prizes for individual contributions were; rookie of the day Andrew Sayco, most valuable player Rommel Pugoy, veteran of the day Ardie Calvo, and most valuable female player Miliasa Finau.

The winning Elite team were (from left) Kent Wabe, Ronald Nez, Ayan Villas, Rommel Pugoy, Joan Tamon, Ezra Gatmen, Raymond Bidaña, Ardie Calvo, Jonathan Anuta. Absent were Rommel Dela Cruz and Josh Mav Nemil. PHOTO: Cromwell Newcomers 

Six teams with players from Asia, Samoa, India, the Philippines and New Zealand participated in evenly matched games throughout the day.

The teams were Pacific Thunder (Samoa), Filipino Community in Central Otago New Zealand (FCCONZ) and Elite (Philippines), Cromwell College International, Selection Chalets and the Kiwi Flyers.

The tournament was a collaboration between Cromwell Newcomers with the support of Central Lakes Basketball, Cromwell College, Central Fitness and Sport Central.

After the on court action players connected over a shared meal, with each person bringing a plate of food from their homeland. 

Read more: Basketball tournament to strengthen community

Read more: Sport Central connects couple to community