A team representing Muslim Students Association in the University of California (CSUF) emerged victorious at a basketball tournament held to promote unity and raise funds for orphans and children in need as part of Charity Week.

Competing against other teams representing Muslim students associations in different universities, the CSUF won the daylong basketball tournament that kicked off Charity Week. This year, Charity Week took place from Oct. 24 to Oct. 30, Daily Titan reported.

CSUF men’s and women’s teams won four games each against teams from Cal Poly Pomona, Long Beach State, UCI, USC, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, UC Riverside, Cal State San Bernardino and UC San Diego.

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“I’m very proud of my team. I feel like it was well-deserved,” said Cindy Hajjar, a fourth-year kinesiology major who coached the women’s team.

“We put in the work. We put in the hours.”

The tournament allowed Muslim organizations from universities across Southern California to connect with their community while raising awareness for an important cause. 

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“The theme of it was ‘Unity: United we Win,’” said Usman Qazi, MSA Event Coordinator who helped coach the men’s team.

“As Muslims, it’s really important for that unity to be there for brotherhood and sisterhood.”

In addition to connecting Muslim youth , the tournament included an auction hosted by Islamic Relief to support those in poverty.

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Organized by Islamic Relief, Charity Week is an international humanitarian organization. It provides aid, food security, and orphan support to people after natural disasters.

Running from October 24-30, it runs under the slogan “For Orphans and Vulnerable Children”.