By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Filipino Chris Opiaza is participating in the Community Games for the first time. Chris suited up for Pioneer CSC. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Senja-Cashew Community Centre, Sunday, May 25, 2014 — For Filipino Chris Opiaza, participating in the Community Games was an eye-opener. Along with three other basketball veterans, Chris played for Pioneer Community Sports Club (CSC) to compete in this year’s edition of the 3-on-3 Men’s Masters Basketball.
Veteran coach Andrew Tan introduced Chris to the Community Games. Both Andrew and Chris live in the same neighbourhood and played together a few times. “I love the sport, but it’s been quite a while since I last played,” said Chris.
“For someone who has not played together with them much, I’m honoured and lucky because they allowed me to play together on the same team,” added the full-time maintenance engineer, who finds it hard to play the sport on a regular basis because of the nature of his job.
“Such one-day events are good, especially for people like Chris. Also, competitions like these allow the older generation to work out more. This is much better than a 5-on-5 game, which is more tiring,” said Andrew Tan in Mandarin. The 48-year-old coaches the boys of St. Joseph’s Institution International and Outram Secondary.
The Pioneer CSC team also includes veteran coach Elvin Chong. The 41-year-old is the coach of Pioneer Junior College and New Town Secondary. He is also the assistant coach for Tagawa Basketball Club. “When we meet, it’s usually on the sidelines, talking to our players about strategies. It is not often that we get to come together like this and pit our skills against each other in the form of a friendly competition, so I think it is a very good initiative. And of course, the whole event is fun,” said Elvin.
“We look forward to such competitions every year. We don’t have time to play together on a regular basis because most of us are busy with coaching and our other commitments. If there are about two to three of such competitions a year, I think that will be great,” added Elvin in Mandarin.
The Pioneer CSC team finished the tournament with a 1–2 win-loss record.
Pioneer CSC Roster
Elvin Chong Beng Chee (#6), Tan Chin Keong (#7), Andrew Tan Chee Wee (#8), Chris Opiaza (#9)
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