Organisers hope that Street-ball becomes a staple in communities

Amidst much anticipation and excitement, the inaugural Dragon Stout ‘Community Cup’ Street-ball competition was officially launched yesterday at the Ansa McAl Headquarters, Beterverwagting (BV).

The four-day tournament, which features 16 teams competing in an elimination format, will commence November 15th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The other playing dates are November 22nd and 29th, with the grand finale set for December 6th.

The participants are North East La Penitence, Albouystown, Leopold St, Broad St, Sophia, LA Ballers, Bent St, Gold is Money, Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Alexander Village, Future Stars, Tiger Bay, Melanie-B, Ansa McAl All-Stars and Showstoppers.

The winner of the event will collect $300,000 while the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Corporate Communications Officer, Treiston Joseph, said the expectation is for the tournament to be a major success, as it will provide the respective competitors the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents.

According to Joseph, the event specifically targets the established urban and community areas which have become synonymous with this version of the sport.

He disclosed that the expansion of the event into the outlying areas is a possibility, as the brand aims to align itself with the popular format.

Meanwhile, Jamal Baird, Dragon Stout brand coordinator, said that the event was envisioned to highlight the brand’s emerging support for community driven and grassroots initiatives.

He added, “The event is the start of an exciting programme which has the capacity to become a staple within the local street-ball community. It’s also an opportunity for the brand to establish and eventually strengthen a relationship with the respective communities and urban areas through the common spirit of sport.”

Fixtures for the competition will be disclosed shortly.