Thursday August 28, 2008 By Y.P. SIVAM
OSSIA World of Golf, the organisers of the AND1 3 on 3 streetball challenge, will be going to primary schools to popularise the game.
Ossia World of Golf executive director Saw Swee Leong said the challenge, launched five years ago, has been successful and generated a lot of interest among youngsters. “Many of the participants who started when they were 13 are now 18 and are still actively taking part in the challenge. “Now we are keen to look at the younger age group and the primary school pupils are our target for the coming years,’’ said Saw. This year’s streetball challenge was held at five venues - Summit USJ, Subang (354 teams); Komtar, Penang (165); Aeon Jusco, Klang (310); Danga Bay, Johor (275) and Berjaya Times Square (420) - and the increased number of teams was an indication of the popularity of the event. Saw also attributed the success to the excellent support from sponsors Milo. “Milo have played a big role in organising side events which attracted the young participants. The participants found the side events interesting and exciting and encouraged them to stay all day,’’ said Saw. The 2009 season is expected to start in March and the grand final is scheduled for July. But Saw said their promotion would start soon.
OSSIA World of Golf, the organisers of the AND1 3 on 3 streetball challenge, will be going to primary schools to popularise the game.
Ossia World of Golf executive director Saw Swee Leong said the challenge, launched five years ago, has been successful and generated a lot of interest among youngsters. “Many of the participants who started when they were 13 are now 18 and are still actively taking part in the challenge. “Now we are keen to look at the younger age group and the primary school pupils are our target for the coming years,’’ said Saw. This year’s streetball challenge was held at five venues - Summit USJ, Subang (354 teams); Komtar, Penang (165); Aeon Jusco, Klang (310); Danga Bay, Johor (275) and Berjaya Times Square (420) - and the increased number of teams was an indication of the popularity of the event. Saw also attributed the success to the excellent support from sponsors Milo. “Milo have played a big role in organising side events which attracted the young participants. The participants found the side events interesting and exciting and encouraged them to stay all day,’’ said Saw. The 2009 season is expected to start in March and the grand final is scheduled for July. But Saw said their promotion would start soon.
It’s easy: A participant displaying his skills with two basketballs.
“We will be conducting coaching clinics at primary schools and public courts. There are a lot of public courts in the Klang Valley. We are looking at the possibility of working with the Residents Associations and Rukun Tetangga sectors towards conducting coaching clinics. “If our plans materialise, then we can expect the primary school pupils to play in the Under-13 age group next season,’’ said Saw.
Victorious: The winners celebrate with the organisers and sponsors.
