Tenison Woods College recently hosted its Titans USA Basketball Tour auction evening for the first time in three years due to restrictions on international travel during the pandemic.

The Titans USA Basketball Tour has been running biannually since 2005 and continues to build on the foundations of previous trips that experience United States culture, competition, schooling, and hospitality.

The tour typically runs for three and a half weeks, touring the west coast of the United States of America.

It is open to Year 9-12 Tenison Woods College students who are currently playing basketball and would like to experience the thrill of playing in the USA.

The auction event fosters student agency through the planning, preparation and service provided to the guests on the evening, and raises money to support students who are travelling over to USA later this year.

The Barrie Holmes Stadium at Tenison Woods College was a full house, with over 400 guests in attendance and the support shown was overwhelming.

Titans USA Basketball Tour organiser Ciaran Buckley said he was blown away by the overwhelming support from families, local community members and businesses.

“Their generous donations of goods and services played a vital role in creating an extensive and enticing auction lineup,” he said.

“From sports memorabilia to Robe holidays to sides of beef and lamb, the auction showcased a wide array of offerings from our local community, captivating the attendees and generating substantial bids.

“The willingness of the community to contribute highlighted their belief in the importance of supporting the Titans USA Basketball Tour.”

The night also featured musical performances from the Tenison Woods College Showband and a two-course meal prepared by the college’s Certificate II Hospitality student candidates.

Mr Buckley said the success of the evening would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the volunteer staff and students.

“Their tireless work, meticulous planning, and seamless execution ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly,” he said.

“From coordinating the auction items to managing the logistics and aiding the guests, the volunteers played an integral role in creating a memorable experience for all attendees.”

Students are now eagerly awaiting the Titans USA Basketball Tour which begins in late November, with students returning mid-December.