Community

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ACBA has a proud tradition of supporting and participating in community events which aim to promote the Asian culture, and benefit the community as a whole.

Following is a brief look at some of the events and organisations that ACBA have supported in the past, and some of the individual achievements of the Association.

Leon Teh and the 2000 Olympics Torch Relay

On a cold morning, just a few days away from the greatest sporting spectacle of the 20th Century in Sydney, the Chairman of ACBA, Leon Teh, had the honour of running a leg of the relay. His section was to commence at 6am, and saw him run a small length of the Great Western Highway out in Prospect.

A large crowd of family and friends from ACBA made their way to the western suburbs to show their support, and to witness the unique event. When the Channel 7 Sunrise program crossed to a live update of the Torch Relay, the entire nation was able to watch Leon light the torch and celebrated as he commenced his run.

Welcome Lunch for the Chinese Olympic Men's Basketball Team

ACBA had the privilege of hosting a welcome lunch for the 2000 Men’s Basketball Team from China at Emperor’s Garden Restaurant. The entire team filled the small room upstairs, with many of the players ducking their heads to walk through the door. Included in the group of players attending the lunch were “The Walking Great Wall” of future NBA players; 6 Foot – 11 inch (211cm) Mengke Bateer (Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs), 7 foot – 1 inch (216cm) Wang Zhi Zhi (Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers) and the top pick in the 2002 NBA Draft 7 foot – 5 inch (226cm) Yao Ming (Houston Rockets)

Chinese New Year 2003 : City of Sydney Street Parade

The Association participated in the annual Chinese New Year March which are part of the Chinese New Year celebrations organized by the City of Sydney Council. Newspaper reports stated that the march attracted 30,000 Sydney-siders to watch and cheer as the floats completed the route from Town Hall to the Entertainment Centre. ABCA had the pleasure of marching in front of several members of the Sydney Kings – who were being riding in several cabriolets. Cynthia Elkhoury from the youth women’s team was given the honour of riding in one of the King’s cabriolet’s with David Stiff, whilst Shannon Allen performed tricks with the basketball, to the cheers and admiration of the crowded streets.

Fundraising the 2000 Olympics

Fundraising for the Sydney Chinese Support Committee for the 2000 Olympics, ACBA was invited to conduct a basketball skills presentation at the Fund Raising Dinner at the New Marigold Restaurant, Chinatown. Our girls, led by Ms Emma Bramston and Ms Shannon Allen, performed some basketball drills and exhibited their basketball skills and talents to the delight of the audience. Our girls received praises from the audience and the then Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, Mr Henry Tsang.

Sedan Chair Competition

ACBA was one of the teams that participated in the Sedan Chair Competition during Chinese New Year Sedan race at Darling Harbour in 2001. This race was organised by the Sydney Lions Club, and although we did not win the race, it was a fun day for everyone involved. The ACBA team was unlucky to have tripped during the race, and did not reach the finals. A thank you to our committee members, Mr Stephen Wong and Mr John Ma for organising a team to compete in this event.

Interstate visits

ACBA made interstate visits in 1997 and 1998 to foster links with other basketball associations across the country. In both instances, youth and veteran’s teams played exhibitions games, and were welcomed warmly by the local associations. The results of these trips were the participation of these associations in the Easter Sports Festival. In 1997, ACBA were joined by the Australian Chinese Soccer Association (ACSA), on a trip to Melbourne to play the Wah Sing Sports Association. The youth and veteran’s both enjoyed playing against their new friends.

In 1998, ACBA and ACSA traveled to Brisbane and The Gold Coast and played four games against the local Chinese Community basketball clubs. Once again a lot of new friends were made, and all members of the group from Sydney were made to feel welcome.

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