Kaohsiung's annual summer basketball event, the "2024 Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Invitational," is now underway at the Kaohsiung Arena until the 28th. This year's tournament has attracted 16 outstanding teams from domestic and international origins, and it is expected to draw over ten thousand spectators. The event not only promotes sports development and cultural exchange but also serves as a sports festival encouraging community participation.
The Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Invitational is co-hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government and Fo Guang University, aiming to enhance friendship and cooperation among young people from various countries through sports activities. Since its inception in 2010, the event has grown in scale, evolving from a small tournament with a few local universities to one of the high-level university basketball competitions in Southern Taiwan, providing a platform for international exchange. Through this event, young people from different countries can better understand each other, build friendships, and further promote the development of sports culture.
Top Players Gather to Inspire Sports Passion and Charm
Every summer, top university basketball teams from around the world gather in Kaohsiung to engage in intense competition and diverse exchange activities, fostering sports and cultural interactions among nations. With the joint efforts of the Kaohsiung City Government and Fo Guang Shan's global centers across five continents, the Fo Guang Cup has become a highlight of high-level international competitions in Southern Taiwan. This year’s event features 16 participating teams, promising exciting matches.
On the second floor of the Kaohsiung Arena, you can experience Fo Guang Cup souvenirs made from recycled basketball leather. (Photo / Retrieved from Fo Guang Cup University Basketball Invitational official website)
The women's teams include Fo Guang University, National Taiwan Normal University, and international teams such as the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), Mukogawa Women's University, University of the Philippines, New Zealand National Team, and the Malaysia National Team. The men's teams include National Formosa University, National Chengchi University, National Kaohsiung Normal University, and international teams such as the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, University of Tsukuba, Guangming University, New Zealand National Team, and the Malaysia National Team.
In the men's division, National Formosa University and the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy are participating for the first time, while the remaining six teams have previously competed in the Fo Guang Cup. Notably, the University of Tsukuba is returning to the Fo Guang Cup after an eight-year hiatus since 2016. In the women's division, the Brian Kerle Basketball Academy and Oklahoma Baptist University are making their debut, while the other six teams are regular participants in the Fo Guang Cup.
During the tournament, the Kaohsiung Arena will be a hub for basketball enthusiasts. Spectators can watch high-level basketball matches up close and experience the passion and charm of the sport. Additionally, several cultural exchange activities will be arranged during the event, allowing teams and spectators from different countries to better understand each other's cultural backgrounds beyond the competition.
To encourage broader participation, the Kaohsiung City Government and Fo Guang University are offering various ticket options and promotional activities to attract more citizens and tourists to watch the games. Furthermore, the matches will be broadcast on multiple platforms, allowing those unable to attend in person to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the competition.
