Hon Julian Fraser RA (left) and Pastor Albert O. Wheatley, who stood in for Bishop John I. Cline who is off island, at the launch of the 3rd Annual Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom on July 28, 2015. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Members of the head table at the launch of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League on July 28, 2015. From left: Vice-President of the BVI Basketball Federation, Keith '88' Malone; League Commissioner, Rajah A. Smith; Managing Director of Nagico Insurances, Shan Mohamed; Pastor Albert O. Wheatley; Representative for the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser RA; Head of Business Solutions at Digicel BVI, Mr Kevin Carragher and Chairperson of the league launch, Mr Julian Willock. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Hon Fraser is determined to make a difference to the youth of the territory and sees basketball as one avenue to ensure that happens. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Commissioner of the League, Rajah A. Smith noted that 16 senior teams will be taking part this season, split into the East and West Divisions, with the top four clashing in the best of three play offs (top two from each Division), to determine who will meet in the final, along with a chance to win Championship rings. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Hon Fraser and wife Kharid Fraser (left) unveiled the league's new logo. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Affiliates of the 3rd Annual Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League pose for a photo at the launch of the League on July 28, 2015. From left: Vice-President of the BVI Basketball Federation, Keith '88' Malone; League Commissioner, Rajah A. Smith; Managing Director of Nagico Insurances, Shan Mohamed; Pastor Albert O. Wheatley; Representative for the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser RA; Head of Business Solutions at Digicel BVI, Mr Kevin Carragher and Chairperson of the league launch, Mr Julian Willock. Photo: Stephen A. McMaster

Branding the league and basketball as a family Sport, a family event and attractive to entire families, Hon Fraser extolled everyone to spread the word and promote the games as family friendly, adding a cautionary note to the teams and players that “although the games are for you, make sure you show up and appreciate what you have been given.”

Determined to make a difference for youth

Hon Fraser is determined to make a difference to the youth of the territory and sees basketball as one avenue to ensure that happens. “Some of them are barely coping with life and in so doing might resort to unconventional means to survive. As responsible adults and leaders of the community, it behooves us to reach out to these young men in order to make them more productive in our community.”

During his remarks at the launch, Hon Fraser also added that so far the league is working in the community, that the league is “no gimmick” on his part and that the league has a life of at least four more years and then, no matter who is at the helm, it will continue.

16 teams taking part in 2015 league

Commissioner of the League, Rajah A. Smith noted that 16 senior teams will be taking part this season, split into the East and West Divisions, with the top four clashing in the best of three play offs (top two from each Division), to determine who will meet in the final, along with a chance to win Championship rings.

The league, which is sanctioned by the BVI Basketball Federation, will run from August 15 to November 1, 2015.

Speaking on behalf of Platinum Sponsor Digicel, Kevin Carragher, Head of Business Solutions, shared how important sports is, not only for business, but also for the community and individuals. “Sports is a key cornerstone for us, offering maximum return on investment, but also is key to happy members of society. Lessons learnt in sports are invaluable and basketball is a great leveler. It doesn’t matter how much dad earns or how big your house is, the ball is the same size, the hoop is the same size and the ball still has to go through it!”

Nagico Insurances is also a Platinum Sponsor and Managing Director Mr Shan Mohamed stated that Nagico was excited to “share the court” with the other sponsors and organisers. “Putting on a league is hard work,” he noted. “However, Mr Fraser has a good team and that makes it slightly easier. Nagico has a corporate responsibility to give back and we continue to do so. As we grow we will do more and more and make investments into tomorrow,” Mr Mohamed declared.