Tampa: Preparations are in full swing for the 12th Mar Mackil Memorial Basketball Tournament, scheduled to be held on March 7, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church.

The tournament will feature teams from Christian churches across various parts of Florida and will be conducted in Middle School, High School, and College categories. Teams from Tampa, Lakeland, Miami, Hollywood, and other regions of the state have already completed their registrations. The organizing committee announced that the final date for registration is February 28.

This year’s tournament is being organized entirely under the leadership of youth members. Justin Lukose Mattathiparambil serves as the Chief Coordinator of the organizing committee. The committee includes Jeffrey Cheruthanni, Dustin Muttikunnel, Ebin Thadathil, Simon Poozhikunnel, Dedrick Maniparambil, Shawn Mackil, Aleena Tharayil, Alby Thekkekurutt, Jerrin Pazhempallil, Kristy Vallechira, and Sanitta Poovathinkal, who are leading various subcommittees.

The food committee, led by Jimmy Kalapurayil, Tino Puthuppallymyalil, and Majo Akashalayil, has arranged an extensive variety of food items for the event. The Women’s Ministry and other parish organizations are also joining hands to set up multiple food stalls offering diverse cuisines.

The tournament has been organized annually for the past eleven years in memory of Mar Mathew Mackil, the first bishop of the Kottayam Knanaya Catholic Diocese, who was later elevated to the status of Blessed in the Catholic Church.

Widely anticipated by the youth of Tampa, the tournament has grown into a vibrant platform promoting sportsmanship, fellowship, and unity among participating teams. Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Jose Adoppally extended his appreciation to the organizing youth team and warmly invited everyone to take part in the tournament.