BOBBY Noel General Store yesterday became the first Linden-based business to support this year’s New Era Entertainment, Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), Cell Smart Super 8 tournament which is set to begin on March 9.

Proprietor Nikeza Noel made the presentation of a bicycle to the organisers, while stating that her business has ever been showing their support to sports within the Linden community and they are elated to be part of this year’s event.
“We are happy to be part of this tournament in a major way because we see it as helping in the development of basketball. Linden is a very vibrant sporting community where most of the teams are area-based so they would go out and support the people, most of them would’ve known all the days of their lives,” Noel said.
She added “Our store receives great support as well from the people of Linden so in whatever way we can help, we do so. Basketball is a sport which I love as well, my husband too, so we see it as just supporting a game we have over the years come to enjoy.”
The bicycle, according to the organisers should help in keeping the person who wins it in a healthy shape, with Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rawle Toney thanking the entity for the contribution.
“It’s always nice when businesses from within the community support an event that’s one of theirs. New Era Entertainment is commonly known around Linden for bringing events that are of standard and this basketball tournament is no different. We are grateful for the support of Bobby Noel General Store because they have over the years been supporting us in whatever way they can,” Toney said.
“Why a bicycle, some might ask … well the areas and playing venues in Linden are not far-reaching so often persons would ride or even walk so I think this bike would go a far way in helping whoever wins it to stay competition-ready. We are new LABA body recently installed. There are many tournaments planned and clubs are now on a high as it relates to preparation for this competition.”
The tournament will feature eight teams from Linden all vying to stake a claim of the $200 000 first prize, second prize $100 000, third prize $75 000 and fourth $25 000.
Victory Valley Royals, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Kashif and Shanghai Kings, Retrieve Raiders, Bulls, Block 22 Flames, Wismar Pistons and an All-Star team will be the teams participating in tournament that takes on a knock-out format.