Weget clan wins USLCES hoops event

It was a close game the whole way, but Scott Weget's team managed to pull away for a 72-68 victory over Jen Narcisse's team to win the intercultural basketball tournament May 14.

Six teams from the Lillooet area, including several out-of-town players from Kispiox, competed in the tournament, put on by the Upper St'át'imc Language, Culture and Education Society (USLCES). The second of two teams from Xwisten took third place, which came with $75 prize money. Weget's winning team took home $150, while Narcisse's team won $100.

USLCES fundraiser and communications man Desmond Peters said the tournament's goal was to get people out to have fun.

"We wanted to get the youth and the older people together, he noted." Alongside fundraising coordinator Brenda Ireland and the rest of the USLCES volunteers, Peters and his group set up the day-long basketball showdown, which called for one non-First Nations player and one player over 40 on each team.

USLCES said any extra money from the tournament would go towards the St'át'imc Cultural Centre.

"(The tournament) was to let people know about what we're trying to accomplish," said Peters.

"We need exposure," he added. "We need to let people know we're beginning the process."

As a way to share their ideas with the community, Peters said, "USLCES will host a Gala Event June 4. Everyone is invited to attend the dinner and to view and vote for one of the 14 designs for the centre sent from BCIT."

"We're hoping for a good turnout from both the town and the St'át'imc community," Peters said.

At the end of the tournament, USLCES president Bucky Ned thanked everyone for the volunteer work to make the competition a success.

"A lot of volunteer work goes into this," said Peters.

Bridge River Lillooet News May 18th 2005.

USLCES Home page.