U-15 tournament crucial platform to develop young talents
KOTA KINABALU: The Spritzer Cup Under-15 Youth Basketball Tournament is an important platform to help develop the skills and talents of young cagers.
Youth and Sports Minister Frankie Poon Ming Fung said such tournaments help young players improve their standard to become potential representatives of the state and country in future.
According to Frankie, the commitment shown by Kota Kinabalu Basketball Association in keeping the tournament going for 25 years demonstrates their seriousness in such effort which is for the betterment of basketball in the state capital and Sabah in general.
“It is games like this that bring together people from all walks of life which helps to forge friendship and understanding that are meaningful and lasting.
“And it is through sports activities that a spirit of healthy competition and rivalry is built where winning is secondary while the main aim is to improve standards through constant practice and building teamwork and goodwill.
“This is what helps to develop the talents of our young players and I have to congratulate KKBA for the commitmemt they have shown in keeping this tournament going all these years.
“They have instilled love for basketball among youngsters for 25 years and this is an amazing job. Well done KKBA, you truly deserve a pat on the back,” Frankie said.
He made these remarks when officiating at the opening ceremony of the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Spritzer Cup Under15 Youth Basketball Tournament at the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall here Monday night.
Also present was Sabah Basketball Association president Phan Chee Yong, KKBA chairman Fung Chun Fatt and organising chairman Goh Muh Chee among others.
A total of 11 boys’ teams and seven girls’ teams are taking part in the annual tournament.
Meanwhile, Frankie hoped that more high quality tournaments would be held in future so that young talents continue to be developed.
“It is essential that we should organise more tournaments of this nature and my Ministry will always give its full support and cooperation,” he said.