WORLD Hoops is proud to bring back the prestigious International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3X3 Challenger to Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang for the fourth year in a row from May 9 to 12.
Over the years, Penang in conjunction with World Hoops, has organised numerous FIBA 3X3 Challengers, and also the FIBA 3X3 World Tour Masters last year.
This progression clearly shows that the sports culture and industry of Penang is booming.
“Thus, we will continue to strive for improvement and achieve greater level in presenting better events for both players and the audience,” state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said at a press conference when announcing the tournament at Komtar today.
Also present were World Hoops managing director Grace Khor, Malaysia Basketball Association vice-president Datuk Ooi Khoon Yeong and former professional 3X3 Slovenia player Ales Kunc.
The 3×3 Challenger, which is an FIBA-endorsed competition, will be contested on May 11 and 12.
Soon continued: “As a whole community, we are so grateful and honoured to host such a prestigious event here in Penang.
“This world-class tournament will certainly solidify the reputation of our island as one of the top destinations in the world. So, it means a lot for us to have the opportunity to showcase Penang through a distinguished, international sporting event like this.
“In a bigger picture, these competitions allow us to open the doors to our beautiful island and invite people from different backgrounds and countries to enjoy the uniqueness of Penang.
“We desire to have more people, visitors and spectators alike, to experience our dynamic culture, our renowned food and the welcoming Penang residents,” he stressed.
Khor said the 2019 Challenger would be the most thrilling, the most intense and the most entertaining event ever hosted.
“The level of play will be unparalleled as world-class, professional teams from Slovenia, Serbia, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Australia, Canada, Holland, China and Malaysia, such as Liman, Ljubljana, Piran and others compete for two spots at the World Tour Mexico Masters and a grand prize of US$40,000.
“We will have the biggest Fan Festival, fantastic entertainment programmes and engaging crowd activities throughout the weekend, so you will not want to miss a single moment of this incredible experience.
“We are absolutely certain that this fast-paced, action-packed tournament will be Penang’s biggest sporting event of the year,” she stressed.
Khor added that the tournament last year was a global attraction as over 68,000 people watched the live stream on YouTube.
“We hope that this year’s 3X3 challenger will surpass the previous events and create a greater influence,” she said.
Besides the professional 3×3 Challenger, the organisers will hold a Grassroot Tournament and a Corporate Teams Tournament.
The Grassroot Tournament for Boys Under-14 & Under-18 will take place on May 9 and for Boys Under-16 and Girls Under-18 on May 10. Their semi-finals and finals will be held on May 12.
The Corporate Teams Tournament will be held on May 10.
For more details, call- 04-293 3353 or visit www.world-hoops.com
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan