Nongpoh, June 25: In a display of teamwork, resilience, and advocacy against substance abuse, the Inter-Rehab Basketball Tournament was successfully organised on Tuesday at the Kripa Foundation Basketball Court in Nongsder, Umroi, Ri Bhoi. The event was a collaborative effort between the District Sports Officer (DSO) and the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Ri Bhoi, in partnership with Kripa Foundation, Meghalaya.
Held under the theme “Team Up for Change – Beat Addiction at its Root,” the tournament brought together ten teams from across the state. The event witnessed participation from recovering youth and staff from different rehab facilities, including Kripa Foundation’s De-Addiction Centre for Children (Mawkasiang), Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Men (Nongsder), New Hope Centre (Male and Female), VHAM, Meghalaya Users Forum (MUF), Kripa Staff (Male and Female), Tea Development Centre (Umsning), Upper Shillong Catholic Parish Boys, and interns from multiple colleges.
More than just a sporting event, the tournament was aimed at spreading awareness on the ill effects of drug and substance abuse while fostering social integration and confidence among recovering individuals. The initiative was supported by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
In the women’s category, New Hope Centre emerged victorious, defeating Kripa Staff in a thrilling final.
In the men’s division, Kripa Senior clinched the title by overcoming Kripa Staff.
Despite many participants not being professional athletes, their unwavering commitment, sporting spirit, and passion for recovery shone through the tournament, turning the basketball court into a celebration of transformation and hope.
