The opening ceremony of the basketball tournament of HMEM Nubar Cairo’s 50th anniversary celebrations was a wonderful festival of colors. HMEM Nubar Cairo’s basketball stands were packed with spectators who had come in to watch this eagerly anticipated opening of the 50th anniversary festivities. Additional temporary stands had to be built on this occasion to accommodate the crowds, players and officials.

The ceremony started with an opening march with the participation of more than 150 athletes representing the players of the different participating basketball teams. This was followed by a welcome speech from club chairman Dr. Garo Apkarian who thanked all past and present club leaders who have contributed throughout the years in keeping high the club’s name and repute. Special commemorative plates were then given to the heads of the participating delegations and prominent club officials among whom Mr. Hratch Simonian who was awarded the status of Honorary chairman of the club for faithfully serving the club throughout its many years of existence. Commemorative certificates were then distributed to all of the 150 participating players of the 50th anniversary basketball tournament. The ceremony concluded with some colorful Armenian dance performed by the youth and children of the club.
The games of the tournament then followed with the home team’s ladies defeating HMEM Nubar Alex  46/11, the seniors team of HMEM Nubar Cairo defeating that of Alex 84/45 and that of AYA Aleppo defeating the veterans of HMEM Nubar Montreal who in a gesture of solidarity offered to replace the last minute withdrawing team of Nubar Paris. 
Earlier in the day, a lunch service was held at the club. The good food & service, the beautiful weather and specially the friendly atmosphere, all of these contributed in making it a real pleasant and joyful day.
The program continues today with a visit to the Egyptian museum and lunch on the Pasha boat, followed in the afternoon with the continuation of the basketball tournament, and later at night; the Grand Ball at the Fairmont Tower Hotel.