New LABA launches inaugural League

Jan 22, 2012 Sports

By Edison Jefford
In an effort to continue the resuscitation of competitive basketball in Linden and maintain some momentum after its successful Under-23 Championships, the latest Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Executive launched its inaugural League yesterday.
The League received the right fillip from Trophy Stall, who injected an undisclosed sum to have the event up and running from next weekend when the first games will be played. Proprietor of The Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich said that he is a proud sponsor of the tournament.
“As a Guyanese, I am happy to be associated with the LABA. I am pleased to be associated with their League because I am impressed with the work they have been doing. I would insist on them to make this an annual tournament with my support,” Sunich indicated.
The work of the LABA was stalled for nearly half of last year owed to the unplayable surface at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Court. However, the court was rectified to playing standards and thanks to Ansa McAl Ltd. there has been the construction of dressing rooms.
Those factors have enabled the LABA to commence some momentum with an U-23 competition, which wrapped up last week. Well, it is that impetus that the LABA will look to sustain with the League that is expected to feature all its affiliated clubs.
“It’s the first time I am sponsoring such an extensive League and I am doing it because I think our players could play professional basketball with such support. We have done most of the trophies for basketball in the past so I am very close to the sport,” Sunich continued.
He added that residents of Linden have been very supportive of his store, and as such, he sees the venture as giving back to the community. Sunich noted that he has a good relationship with all of the major entities that engage in sport activities in Linden.
LABA President, Eon Murray thanked Sunich for the gesture, stating that it is such acts of honest benevolence that is need to continue to pilot the sport in the right direction. He committed LABA to producing an active season for players toward the development of basketball.
“I am very heartened with this support. We see this as making things happen for basketball in the community of Linden. This will give us the forward thrust we needed after some absenteeism the last year. I want to assure you that we will maintain high standards,” Murray said.
He informed that notwithstanding the challenges they faced as it related to the competition aspect of the sport, the LABA was doing a lot behind the scenes to maintain clubs’ support. Murray told Kaieteur Sport that basketball in Linden is in for a treat this season. Victory Valley Royals were the winners of the last LABA League with the Amelia’s Ward Jets finishing as runners-up.