Basketball: Cheque presentation-Ah-kong to use money for further treatment |16 March 2006

Yesterday afternoon, former Mont Fleuri Neutrons, Premium Cobras and Seychelles playmaker Ah-kong received a cheque worth R4,980 and he has said that he will use the money to follow treatment in Singapore.

Premium Cobras’ captain James Beir and Anse Etoile Stars centre Simone Bamboche had the honour of presenting Ah-kong with the cheque at Victoria Gymnasium in the presence of executive committee members of the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) and teams’ representatives.

The money was raised during three Charity matches played at the Palais des Sports on Sunday February 26. Premium Cobras, Pointe Larue Falcons and Bel Air came out as winners, beating PLS Hawks 69-65, Anse Etoile 67-55 and Anse Etoile Stars 51-46 respectively.

Ah-kong, 38, and who is still hoping to get back on the court, told Sports Nation that he is thinking positively and he will fight hard to regain full fitness.

“It has been one year since I have been sick and if I am standing here today (Wednesday) it is because the Ministry of Health and Social Services helped me to get better. Now, I want to go to Singapore for further treatment. Even though the money received is not enough for the treatment, it will definitely help to cover for the expenses. I take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in organising the matches to raise the money,” said Ah-kong.

For his part, SBF chairman Paul Denis thanked everyone who helped raised the money.

“This is the third time that SBF has made such a charitable gesture and we are happy to help a basketballer who has gone through a lot. Basketball is not just a sport. It helps us to understand other people’s emotion and show compassion. We are happy that during his State-of-the-Nation address, President James Michel talked about the good gesture that the basketball family has done to help one of our own players. I firmly believe that Nigel will be back on the court playing basketball. But if not, we hope he lives a healthy life” said Denis.

F. M.