NZ Basketballers take home medals and memories from Singapore
New Zealand 3x3 Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks won medals and fans at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023, but also found time to experience some of what the country has to offer beyond the basketball court, writes national teams manager Kat Jones and programmes manager Nikolay Mikhalchuk. The teams were supported to include cultural elements to their time in Singapore through the Foundation's Community Sports Fund.
The Tall Ferns took out the silver medal, while the Tall Blacks picked up bronze
The 3x3 Tall Ferns and 3x3 Tall Blacks got to experience Singapore's vibrant and diverse culture, with its fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western traditions. And what better way to experience a culture than through its cuisine? The teams indulged in mouth-watering dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, spicy laksa, and sweet and savoury satay at Singapore's famous hawker centres.
The teams also visited Kampong Glam and the Sultan Mosque and experienced the nightly food markets during Ramadan.
Kampong Glam is known as Singapore's Muslim quarter and its main highlight is the Sultan Mosque.
The teams visited the area and ate at a couple of the local restaurants to experience the cuisine. Haji Lane is also in the area, and there are lots of colourful murals/street art, trendy stores and cafes to visit.
Trying some local dishes was a highlight of the trip for many of the players
The night markets were colourful and vibrant, and they offered a variety of local foods, similar to the hawker markets. Because it was Ramadan, the markets in Kampong Glam were alive with activity when we visited.
The players were really impressed by the cleanliness of the city and the efficiency of the transport system. We took trains to the games and practice facilities, which provided another opportunity for them to experience Singapore life and see a little more of the city.
This experience will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball players to come.
The trip was a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and promote cultural exchange.
The New Zealand 3x3 National Teams showcased their basketball skills on the court and their willingness to learn and embrace a new culture off the court. It was an experience they will never forget.
Kat: "Adding cultural experiences meant that athletes were exposed to different walks of life and got to see beyond just the sporting arenas."
The two teams were not only fan favourites but also performed exceptionally well during the Asia Cup, bringing home silver and bronze medals, respectively. They conquered the hearts of Singapore's 3x3 fans with their fighting spirit and never-give-up attitude, showcasing their skills and teamwork on the court.
This trip was an incredible opportunity for the teams to represent their country and showcase the best of New Zealand on a global stage.
Adding cultural experiences meant that athletes were exposed to different walks of life and got to see beyond just the sporting arenas. They benefited from interacting with different people and experiencing cultural diversity in all forms: religion, language, cuisine, traditions.
The two teams and management posing for a photo
Thank you again to the Asia New Zealand Foundation for their support in making this unforgettable cultural exchange possible.
This experience will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball players to come.
The Foundation's sports programme provides New Zealand sportspeople opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.
Our Community Sports Fund provides funding for community groups travelling to Asia to engage in cultural activities.
