Basketball is more than a ball to me. It's a bridge that connects passion, companions, and the city of Wuxi.
Adonis Dorbor Jr jumps to make a shot. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
When I stood on the court of the 2026 Wuxi International Communication Alliance 3x3 Basketball Tournament this early May, I felt more than just the excitement of competition; I felt the power of connection. They call this tournament "Ran Dong Xi Cheng", meaning igniting Wuxi. For me, it's not just about igniting passion for basketball, but also about igniting the willingness to communicate, share, and grow together.
The 3x3 basketball is not about individual brilliance. It's about understanding without words. A look. A gesture. A pass. That's how we communicate on the court. We come from different backgrounds, but basketball breaks down all barriers.
Adonis Dorbor Jr and other players ready to compete. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
I used to think communication was about talking, but this tournament taught me: communication is about action. It's cheering for your teammates when they score, respecting your opponents when they play well, and sharing the joy of the game with everyone around you. That's the communicable value I tried to pass on: passion, respect, and connection.
Every practice, every game, every interaction, I wanted to let people see that basketball is a universal language. It doesn't matter where you're from, what language you speak; when we're on the court together, we're all chasing the same joy. This is what I understand by "communicable value": using a common passion to connect hearts.
Adonis Dorbor Jr (right) holds the ball with an opponent all over him. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
When my name was called and I received the Most Valuable Communicator Award, I was not only honored but also moved. This award is not recognition of my basketball skills alone; it's also recognition of the belief I hold: basketball is a bridge of communication, and every person can be a messenger of passion.
I hold this award not as a personal achievement, but as a responsibility. It reminds me that every time I pick up a basketball, I'm not just playing a game; I'm communicating, sharing, and spreading the warmth that basketball brings.
Adonis Dorbor Jr (first from left) receives the Most Valuable Communicator Award. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
This honor is not the end, but a new start. It's a reminder to keep using basketball as a bridge, to keep communicating, keep sharing, and keep igniting the passion in every heart. Let's ignite the city together, with basketball, with passion, with communication.
The author, hailing from Liberia, is an international student who participated in a 3x3 basketball event organized by Wuxi International Communication Alliance in Xinwu district, Wuxi, in May.
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