The 2024 Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Tournament is set to commence soon. On 19th July, CEO of Basketball New Zealand Dillon Boucher MNZM and national team coach Mitchell Langton led the men’s and women’s teams to the Fo Guang Shan Auckland Temple to receive blessings before their departure for Taiwan.
Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ led a light offering ceremony in the Main Shrine, recited Prayer for Athletes written by the Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, blessing the teams for success in their journey. There were 50 guests attending the blessing ceremony, including Editor Farida Master of Small Business Heroes Magazine, BLIA North Island Chapter Advisor Sally Wong, Chief Advisor Jennifer Liang and the Team members.
CEO Boucher presented a signed basketball and a number 48 jersey as a token of gratitude to the Temple. He expressed that the players represent not only themselves but also their clubs and country, hoping they achieve great results and return to share their success with the community at Fo Guang Shan New Zealand.
Abbess Manshin encouraged the players to have unwavering confidence, noting the special significance of the numbers 4 and 8, as April 8 marks the Buddha’s Birthday, symbolising equality and compassion. She gave each player a blessing apple, encouraged them to give their all, appreciate their opponents and strive to surpass themselves. The Temple also arranged for the team to enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal.
Player Lauren Tewhata, representing the team, thanked Fo Guang Shan New Zealand for making their participation in the tournament possible. The men’s and women’s teams performed the Kapa Haka war dance and the Te Aroha song to express their gratitude. The Auckland youth members also performed the Open Your Heart and 3G4G song to cheer on the athletes.
The team comprises players selected from 17 top clubs across New Zealand. Coach Matt Lacey will lead 12 male players, and Coach Ryan Dubbeldam will guide 10 female players, departing on 20th July. This marks New Zealand’s third participation in the tournament, with the men’s and women’s teams each winning bronze medals last year. Upon returning, the athletes visited Auckland and Christchurch Temple, expressing gratitude for the friendships fostered through the Fo Guang Cup.
The Basketball New Zealand website also features information about the Fo Guang Cup, detailing the event’s origins and player profiles, and expressing gratitude to the Founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, the organisers and supporters. The New Zealand team cherishes the honour of competing in this prestigious event.
https://nz.basketball/nz-select-teams-to-contest-blia-cup-in-taiwan/