Basketball fans discuss falling in love with the game
Monday, December 25, 2023, 08:00 GMT+7
Basketball fans of all ages joined the VBA 2023 storytelling contest to share captivating stories detailing their passion for the sport and the crucial role it plays in their lives.
In the month leading up to the 2023 season finals, the VBA launched its Story of the Year Contest, creating a platform for fans to share narratives on cherished moments and memories surrounding their relationship with the sport.
One of these fans was Rocky – an eight-year-old who shared a poignant story reflecting on his first season as a VBA spectator in 2022, when he became spellbound by the electric atmosphere of live basketball.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Rocky’s story was an anecdote thanking the VBA players who led him onto the court on his eighth birthday – a moving experience that he said would forever be etched in his heart.
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| Rocky poses with Saigon Heat star Kentrell Barkley. Photo: VBA |
Despite being just eight years old, Rocky remains steadfast in his commitment to basketball, nurturing dreams of, one day, suiting up for the Saigon Heat.
Tracy, a teacher and basketball aficionado, also shared her love for the sport.
Tracy’s eight-year love affair with the ball game began when she found herself watching the Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
She told her students about it and was surprised when they said that they were also fans of the team and loved playing the sport.
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| Vietnamese star Arnold is among Tracy’s favorite players. Photo: VBA |
Tracy spent the next few years watching her students excel at basketball, including winning the Vietnam Students Basketball League and coming close to securing a national U16 championship.
Forty-year-old Duy Bom’s entry into the contest focused on the bond the sport helped create between him and his son.
“I’m turning 40 this year and, until recently, I have never been a fan of any sport as much as I am of basketball,” Bom wrote.
“In the past, my love for football brought me immense joy.
“However, my love for basketball has been a wholly unique experience, especially because I share that passion with my child.
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| A father and son in the audience at a VBA 2023 game. Photo: VBA |
“My son is a devoted fan of the Hanoi Buffaloes.
“I am grateful to basketball for giving me such an exciting season.”
These narratives represent just a glimpse of the extraordinary stories submitted by fans to the contest.
The top three stories, determined by the most votes on an official Facebook page, will be recognized and rewarded by the VBA.
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