Hoops and a head start for the PeBT youth programme in Zone 19, PJ

The Penggerak Belia Tempatan (PeBT) Peringkat Zon (or Local Youth Actuator, Zone Level) implemented by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) and run by a local youth committee got off to a good start in zone 19 of Petaling Jaya with a 3on3 basketball tournament held at Taman Aman basketball court in Section 20, Petaling Jaya, rececntly.

It was a great turnout on a beautiful Sunday morning filled with skill, hoop-shooting fun and great sportsmanship being by the participants playing their hearts out with sweat and determination.

The 3on3 basketball tournament attracted a record participation of 12 teams in the challenge in two categories – Under-17 and Open. Teams were allowed no more than four members, including one reserve player.

“I am happy to see so many youths out participating in this maiden PeBT youth sport event by spending quality recreational time enjoying the game as much as ever,” said Jeyaseelen Anthony Seeva, the Petaling Jaya city councillor who takes charge of zone 19 covering  Section 20 Taman Paramount, Section 21SEA Park and Section 22 Len Seng Garden.

“It’s good to get youth involved in reviving the sporting spirit. The 3on3 basketball tournament is just a head start to explore their talent There are more sports events, games and outdoor activities to come,“ added Jeyaseelen who was surprised that it had attracted quite a good number of female players.

The PeBT is a Selangor state government initiative under which various programmes and activities are organized with the aim to ensuring active youth participation in society and indirectly developing their talent and leadership skills.

The local youth committee under the PeBT programme in zone 19, Petaling Jaya consisted of six  members of mixed gender and aged between 17 to 32
years old.

It receives a RM5,000 annual allocation from MBPJ to fund its various youth programmes and activities. For this tournament, it received a boost with a RM3,000 contribution from the Kampung Tunku state assemblyman, Lau Weng San.

PeBT zone 19 chairman, Eric Lee Wooi Ching, 31, a local who works as an account manager in a logistics company in Petaling Jaya said: “Our committee is running strong with youth aged between 16 to 35 and we are working to get more youth members involved in sports activities.

“The response today was good going by the number of participants we received. We are holding a chess competition next and a futsal competition on July 24 to be held at MBPJ Arena futsal court in Jalan Selangor,” added Eric who is assisted by vice chairman Ong Hooi Theng, 31, who is a woman.

“I want to thank everyone who came today and made it a great success. The contribution by YB Lau Weng San is a big help and greatly appreciated.”

The participants, numbering 48, came as early as 7am to register for the competition which saw team players battling out neck-to-neck for points in the keenly contested tournament.

The Under-17 finals game saw both teams battling neck-to-neck for points before Taman Aman Basketball Team (TABT) emerged the champion beating their rival Adidas at 8 – 9.

The TABT team comprised team captain Seow Chee Chien, 17; Lim Sheng Yong, 17; Adrian Chong Kit Weng, 16 and Chor Wen Kai, 16

TABT team captain Seow Chee Chien, 17, a Form 5 student at Bukit Bintang Boys School and who began playing basketball since Form 2 said: “It was a hard fought battle and we played very well today.

“Hey, we are the champ and it feels great!” added Seow who said the cash prize money will be divided between team members but for now they will just go to a mamak stall to celebrate their victory.

For the Open finals, Stitch beat Glory at 7,9. Stitch team captain Cheong Soon Wah, 26, a financial assistant in Damansara Heights and who began playing since standard four said: ”More similar events should be held as it is good exercise  to sweat and stay healthy so that we do not fall sick easily.

Glory stood out from the other teams with three female players who showed great fighting spirit in the decisive match received the loudest cheers and claps from the spectators.

Glory team captain Leon Eng, 31, an insurance agent with ING in Klang said: “The tournament provided a platform for players like us to sharpen up our skills and learn new things from the other teams.

The top four teams in the Under 17 and top three teams in the Open category were rewarded with cash prizes and goodies. The champion in both categories each received a cash price of RM800 and other item worth RM100.  Lau Weng San later presented the prizes to all the winners.

The referees for the tournament were Eric Lee, Richard and Louis Lim.