The Galway Masters Basketball Association is gearing up for an action-packed weekend as it prepares to host the eagerly anticipated 11th Galway Masters International Tournament. Founded in 2011, the association has consistently promoted master's basketball and nurtured the spirit of camaraderie in the sport. This year's tournament, which takes place from tomorrow Friday November 10 to Sunday November 12, promises to be a spectacle of sportsmanship, competition, and giving back to the community.
The tournament is an annual highlight for master's basketball enthusiasts worldwide and has grown exponentially since its inception, attracting teams and players from across the globe. Over the years, it has successfully maintained a balance between competitiveness on the court and fostering a vibrant social atmosphere off it.
Once again, Galway City Council ais supporting the event as main sponsor. “Sports tourism is an important revenue generator for any city, especially out of the normal tourist season” says Mike Lydon from Galway Masters.
“Our event is worth an estimated €400,000 to the local economy, and we are very grateful to Galway City Council as our main sponsor and to the many smaller sponsors who support the event every year” he added.
One of the defining features of the Galway Masters Basketball Association is its commitment to giving back. The tournament operates on a 'not for profit' basis, with surplus funds and the proceeds of the Gala Dinner raffle being dedicated to a nominated charitable cause each year.
In the past, the association has supported a variety of important causes, including Alzheimer’s, Autism Services, Wheelchair Basketball, Suicide Prevention, Breast Cancer Research, Galway Hospice Foundation, Voices for Down Syndrome Galway, Aoife’s Clown Doctors, and Joanna Lamb It’s Good to Give (children's cancer services ).
The journey to the 2023 tournament has not been without its challenges, as the 2020 and 2021 events had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Galway Masters Association bounced back in 2022 with a renewed commitment to its charitable mission, once again supporting Aoife’s Clown Doctors.
This year's event will benefit Croí Heart & Stroke charity. Speaking about the event, Mike Cubbard, Community & Events Fundraising Coordinator at Croí said they are delighted to be associated with the Galway Masters Tournament this year.
"As part of the event, we will be offering blood pressure checks for the players. Research shows that men over 45 and women over 55 are more likely to suffer a heart attack and with 46 teams competing in these exact categories, we won't be surprised if a few red flags are raised during routine screening at the tournament," he said.
In addition to the charity endeavours, the Galway Masters Basketball Association also pays tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to basketball. Every year, they present a lifetime contribution award to honour these stalwarts at their Gala Dinner.
The 2023 tournament is set to be a memorable one, featuring seven divisions: Men’s 40s, 50s, 60s & 65s, and Women’s 40s, 45s and 50s. In a strategic move to enhance the overall experience, the tournament has been streamlined, with 46 teams participating this year, all competing in the fantastic facilities at the University of Galway's Kingfisher Club.
Basketball enthusiasts and spectators alike can expect an unforgettable weekend of intense competition, community spirit, and philanthropy as the 11th Galway Masters International Tournament takes centre stage in Galway City. The event showcases not only the love of the game but also the power of sport to make a positive impact on society and players of all ages.
For more information about the tournament and game schedules, please visit the official Galway Masters Basketball Association website at www.galwaymasters.ie or follow them on social media for updates and highlights throughout the event. The tournament takes place from 2pm to 9pm on Friday 10, 9am to 7pm on Saturday, with the finals being held on Sunday 12 from 9.30am to 6pm.
Further information available from: James Hanley, Galway Masters Basketball Association tel. (087 ) 6179297
