Geraldton continues to strengthen its China ties joining other Mid West sponsors in contributing to the launch of the inaugural Sino-Australia Challenge, a series of basketball games played both in WA and China this month. (June)

So far it’s even-stevens, with two games in the series already played, with China winning the first on June 7 and Australia’s Boomers Basketball team coming back to thrash the Chinese on June 9.

The initiative was proposed by the Australia China Business Council and Basketball Australia with the 2013 International Basketball Series between Australia and China taking place over four games, two played in Perth over the weekend a further two to be hosted in China on June 12 and 14.

The City of Greater Geraldton Council voted to contribute $4000 from the Mayor’s Discretionary Fund, for the launch luncheon ‘Dine with the Giants’ held at the Regency Hyatt in Perth on June 4, joining other local supporters the Geraldton Basketball Association, Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton Grammar School, Geraldton Port Authority, Mid West Development Commission and Market Creations.

Speaking at the series launch, City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said there could be future opportunities to bring games in the series to Geraldton.

“The City would be very interested in getting one of the future matches to Geraldton,” he said.

“This would raise Geraldton’s profile in the international sporting arena and attract more Chinese focus to the Mid West; this would go a long way to emphasise the Mid West is not only about mining, it also has a strong sporting community, that has produced national and international sportsmen – and also a rich tourism industry.

“Hosting the National Basketball – China/Australia 2013-16 Series in Geraldton would strengthen ties with China and expose Geraldton to millions of viewers in China as well as right across Australia.”

Australia China Business Council WA president Duncan Calder said the season opener was the first international basketball game played at the Perth Arena and he welcomed the regional support for the Sino-Australia Challenge.

“I’m delighted at the support from the collection of government and industry from the Mid West, showing great foresight in forging a close relationship with China,” he said.

“WA is the foundation cornerstone of the economic relationship between Australia and China.”