A TOTAL of 205 teams will take part in the ‘IPK College Jit Sin School Union 3×3 Basketball Challenge 2022’ at the Jit Sin Independent High School in Bukit Mertajam on Sept 10.
The tournament is jointly organised by the Persatuan Bekas Murid-Murid Sekolah Jit Sin Bukit Mertajam, Jit Sin Independent High School, Seberang Perai Tengah Basketball Association, Elite Storm Basketball Academy and supported by the Bukit Mertajam, Berapit and Bagan Jermal service centres.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the objective of the tournament is to promote the basketball 3×3 format among the community, especially the younger generation.
“It also aims to unearth more new talents who may go on to represent the state or the country one day.
“I hope that all the participating teams will show good sportsmanship, great fighting spirit and enjoy this valuable experience,” Soon told a press conference when announcing the tournament at the Jit Sin Independent High School in Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present were Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee.
According to Soon, the categories to be contested during the tournament are Boys’ U12 (24 teams), U15 (52 teams) U18 (65 teams), U21 (16 teams) and Open (18 teams); and Girls’ U12 (13 teams), U18 (9 teams) and Open (8 teams).
Soon added that apart from Penang, teams from neighbouring states such as Perak and Kedah would also be taking part, showing an overwhelming response.
He also urged other sports associations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to organise various sports competitions in the state to unearth more talents.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Eng Kok Wei