This year, the largest children’s and youth basketball tournament in the Baltics, the Alfred Krauklis Memorial Tournament, will gather more than 3,000 young basketball enthusiasts – boys and girls aged 9 to 17. The competition will be held in nine different age groups for both girls and boys.
Teams from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Ukraine will participate in the tournament. The participation of Ukrainian children is financially supported by “Latvijas Finieris”. A combined team consisting of players from France, Spain, and other countries will also participate.
Not only will young basketball players hone their skills on the court, but the members of the game crew – more than 500 judges and secretarial staff – will work at the tournament, ensuring fair play and compiling statistics.
The Alfred Krauklis Memorial Tournament has witnessed remarkable growth in popularity in recent years. Initially attracting 70-90 teams, the competition has seen participation double in the past two years, with over 160 teams participating for the first time.
For the first time in the older age groups, both boys and girls will receive special silver championship rings, crafted by renowned jewelry master Harald Zanderson.
All tournament games from over 20 gyms in Riga will be available on the tournament’s official YouTube channel @akcup_official. Additionally, the gold finals of the two older age groups will be broadcast live on TV24 and aired throughout Latvia on terrestrial broadcasting. The live broadcast commences on Sunday, August 18, at 4:00 PM.
To replenish their energy after physical activity, the catering company “Lido” will provide meals for the participants.
The purpose of the tournament extends beyond developing young basketball skills. It also aims to raise awareness of important social issues. In collaboration with “Sadales tīkls” and the Road Safety Directorate (CSDD), the tournament will provide safety education to participants.
With your tournament wristband, you can enjoy various perks during your stay in Riga. Visit the Riga Zoo, Latvian Sports Museum, Riga Motor Museum for free, watch a movie at “Forum Cinemas” for €3, or purchase new basketball equipment at “Sporta Bode” store with a 35% discount.
About the Tournament:
Alfrēds Krauklis, a legendary Latvian basketball player, coach, and role model. A silver medalist at the 1939 European Basketball Championship.
In 1958, Krauklis co-founded the men’s basketball team “VEF” and served as its first coach. He also founded the Children and Youth Sports School – BJBS “VEF” in 1961. Many graduates of this school went on to play for the men’s VEF team.
The first basketball tournament in memory of A. Krauklis was held in November 1992. The competition has grown to become the largest children’s basketball tournament in the Baltics.
The event is supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia as part of the “Organization of International Sports Events and Exhibitions in Latvia” initiative, co-financed by the European Union.