B-ball tourneys see kids, cops at play

A dozen teams from across the Greater Toronto Area took part in the annual South & West Asian youth basketball tournament at Humber College recently.

About 75 per cent of the nearly 95 participants in the tournament were newcomers in the competition that started a decade ago.

“I challenged the organizers to attract new and younger players because I realised that most of the players here last year were getting up there in age and I was made to understand that many of them had been participating in the competition for years,” said S/Supt. Richard Stubbings.

Community volunteer Jessy Singh took up the challenge, posting messages on Facebook and sending out e-mails to his contacts for new recruits.

“I also host a South Asian online radio show, so I used that vehicle to spread the word on my weekly program also,” said Singh.

“The majority of the players on hand today are here for the first time, so we have achieved our goal and I want to thank Mr. Stubbings for making the call.”

Zul Kassamali, co-chair of the South & West Asian Consultative Committee (SWACC), and Stubbings welcomed the participants.

Const. Johnny Bobbili of the Divisional Policing Support Unit (DPSU), helped organize the tournament that attracted several SWACC members.

“You are going to be our next police officers, teachers and social workers,” Stubbings said.

“So make the most of this positive experience you are being presented with today.”

In an earlier tournament, DPSU members attended the two-day Victoria Invitational Basketball tournament at Hoopdome.

Several senior officers attended the event that attracted nearly 2,000 young people of Asian heritage from Canada and the United States.

“I was extremely honoured to be part of such a well-attended community event that promotes healthy activities and brings the Service and notable dignitaries together with the Filipino community,” said A/S/Insp. Doug Quan, who is the 13 Division unit commander.

“The competition was intense and I applaud the efforts of the participants and organizers and volunteers in pulling off a successful event.”

Lynda Javier, the president of the Filipino Centre Toronto, is the tournament’s principal organizer.

She challenged parents to be role models for their children and stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“She plays a pivotal role in making her community safe as she embodies the true qualities of a leader,” said DPSU S/Sgt. Ron Khan.

The highlight of the tournament was an exhibition game featuring a Filipino youth team and the Toronto Police Asia Pacific Consultative Committee side led by Const. Renato Valdez.

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