THE LovePENANG Cup Basketball Championship officially kicked off today with the opening ceremony at the indoor basketball court in Perkampungan Jawi.
The tournament is participated by Penangites aged 18 and above for the Men’s Category, and 13 and above for the Women’s Category.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to launch the tournament, said the competition is part of the LovePENANG campaign to foster unity in the community.
“A total of 40 teams have registered for the basketball championship.
“It is jointly organised by the state government, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), Penang Basketball Association and South Seberang Perai Basketball Association.
“The preliminary rounds for the teams from the mainland will also be held at the same venue, which is the indoor basketball court in Perkampungan Jawi.
“Meanwhile, the teams from Penang island will compete in the preliminary rounds at Azman Hashim Stadium in Universiti Sains Malaysia on July 31.
“And the finals will be held at Han Chiang Stadium at 8pm on Aug 28,” Chow said in his speech during the opening ceremony today.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Sungai Bakap assemblyman Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, MSNPP director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Penang Basketball Association president Datuk Ooi Khoon Yeong and South Seberang Perai Basketball Association chairman Ching Swee Hong.
Chow hoped that the basketball competition could be a platform to unearth the talents of the young generation to represent the state and country.
“Apart from promoting a healthy community, such competition can also build interest among the youths to take part in sports,” he said.
According to Chow, basketball is in a class of its own and is one of the most popular sports among the youths.
“So, to encourage more youths to take part in basketball, the state government will continue to improve existing facilities and build more basketball courts on the island and mainland,” he said.
He added that currently seven basketball courts were being upgraded on the island and in Seberang Perai.
“The state government is in the process of building five basketball courts.
“From the five basketball courts that are being built, two are in the south Seberang Perai district and one each in the north and central Seberang Perai. A basketball court is being built in the northeast district on the island,” Chow added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis