Page 97 - Wish Stream Year of 2019

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Basketball tour Latvia 2019
On the 12th August 2019 the basketball team of 13 players and three coaches
representing the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst flew to Riga, Latvia, to embark on a tour that would further develop a strong relationship with the Latvian National Defence Academy (NDA) and would test the abilities of the Sandhurst team.
...the opportunity to play against teams of this calibre is an experience that will not quickly be forgotten.
OCdt Williams
Police and the Mechanised Infantry Division teams saw more defeats for Sandhurst, but the opportunity to play against teams of this calibre is an experience that will not quickly be forgotten.
Following the tournament at the NDA, the Sandhurst team was invited to spend the evening at the British Embassy within the centre of Riga
Day one saw a drive through the heart of Lat- via, observing the traditional Latvian architecture and taking in beautiful views across the Daugava River to the famous Riga radio tower standing at 1,207ft. After arriving at the NDA, we ventured into Riga to find local cuisine and live music.
Day two saw the team arrive early onto the bas- ketball court to run through some last-minute training, including ball handling and running through the rehearsed plays. After warming the team up and getting familiar with our surround- ings, the tournament was underway. Sandhurst would play three games against a variety of opponents. The first of our three games was against the Latvian National Defence Academy; safe to say that after a 33-10 defeat, the Sand- hurst team fully understood why basketball is the second most popular sport within Latvia. The two following games against the Latvian Military
to enjoy some delicious food and the wonderful company from our hosts. At the event we were able to grasp an understanding of the role of the Embassy within Latvia and how their presence has helped to further build upon the relationship the United Kingdom has with the Baltic States.
The third and fourth days saw the team venturing into the city for a couple of cultural days includ- ing a visit to the Latvian Freedom Monument, honouring those soldiers who gave their lives during the Latvian War of independence, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, a walking tour around the sights of the city in the glorious sunshine, organised by locals who were able to give great insights into the history of the city, and to then finish with some food with the locals at a popular underground restaurant a stone’s throw away from the famous St. Peter’s Church.
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