BASKETBALL is bringing young men of faith together on Brisbane’s southside.
Catholic team member Carlos Leung, of Sunnybank, described the weekly basketball outreach, meeting on Sunday nights in Calamvale, as a “ministry”.
“(It’s a ministry) because it develops a young man through basketball,” he said.
“Teaching them the importance, joy and effectiveness of teamwork, the developing of character through working together through challenges and developing social skills … (to be) effective in a team.”
At a leaders’ gathering earlier this year the group, also spearheaded by Ivan Ng, identified “communication” as “vital” for effective team sports.
They also recognised the “culture” of the 12 teams from a number of denominations now involved and have decided on a name – the United Church Basketball League (UCBL).
UCBL’s definition of success is “character development” and “building brotherhood and the Church together”.
“A growing league is now probably the best term to describe where we are at the moment,” Ivan said.
“We have grown to a state where we are fully enjoying the benefits of socialising and connecting with local churches from within the area.
“The atmosphere from each night is great and it’s an extremely fun event. To be offering such a fun time in the name of Church is a special privilege.”
Carlos said that from the social interaction something broader evolves.
“The boys are reluctant to come to Bible studies and share but after sweating on the court and battling through difficulties together, they are in fact, sharing,” Carlos said.
“They begin sharing life and sometimes I use Bible analogies to explain certain concepts such as teamwork and humility.”
Ivan added: “The biblical principles of character building are all fundamental to team building and function.
“We find that most Church teams advocate such noble ideals without much contribution from us (the leaders) anyway.”
UCBL has set up a donation system allowing basketball fees to contribute to the work of the Guide Dogs Australia.
“It’s an extremely worthy cause,” Ivan said.
“Even a small donation from each individual each week would accumulate to a fantastic total contribution.”
With long-term goals to “reach out to each individual”, Ivan is humble about UCBL’s success.
“In terms of ministry and even our donation system we do not claim to have accomplished our goals,” he said.
“(But) as we continue … we hope to reach out to each individual in this league, (with) the grace, wisdom and love of God.
“It’s been an incredible journey thus far and I’m sure it would be an incredible journey in the future as we try out best.”
For more information contact Ivan on 0403 111 875.
