Local fans flock to Village BA games, while the competition promotes hoops among the younger generations. [Photo/China Daily]

Common Prosperity

In keeping with the "harmonious countryside" theme, the prizes up for grabs showcase the area's rural charms.

At the opening match at Hejiashantou village in Diankou town, the prizes in the slam dunk contest included Baita Lake's famous white geese and Ruanshi's specialty roasted snacks.

The first-place prize in Anhua town was an impressive 1,000-kilogram yellow ox. Members of the champion team from Kuangting village opted to use the ox to make a local delicacy called niutaotang.

The hearty soup was shared with the villagers and neighboring charitable kitchens. It has become something of a tradition among the championship-winning teams to donate their prizes and winnings to charities, such as local food banks or schools for children of migrant workers.

Zhuji has also taken innovative steps to promote family basketball events. Since 2020, the Zhuji Basketball Association has staged the Zhuji Happy Family 3x3 Basketball Tournament. More than 500 families have participated in the competition to date.

"The purpose of this tournament is to allow parents and children to bond through basketball. This can steer kids onto a healthy path of growth and development while also fostering a harmonious and fulfilling family environment," Huang said.

In the first half of this year, the Zhuji Basketball Association established the Happy Family Club, producing videos to promote the competition and further extend the reach of hoops in the community beyond the Village BA.

The Village BA games have also contributed to grassroots governance in rural areas. Luo Gentu, the Party secretary of Fengyuan, explained that the village boasts three well-lit basketball courts, which are frequented by local players and provide a recreational space for young people.

"There is a saying in the village that having an additional basketball court means having one less gambling den," said Luo. "With more people participating in basketball, there is no market for gambling."

The Village BA has also brought economic vitality to the area. During game nights, restaurants have been known to run out of stock due to the high demand.

Chen Yulan, the deputy mayor of Anhua town, said the scheduling of evening matches was strategic in order to promote the development of the "nighttime economy".

With the support of the Village BA, the nightly market in Anhua has seen an average daily footfall of nearly 30,000 people. Anhua's per-household annual income exceeds 350,000 yuan (around $50,000), and the games have generated employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 people.

"The effect of common prosperity is becoming evident," said Chen Chuming, director of the Education and Sport Bureau of Zhuji.

"It can be said that in Zhuji, playing basketball is like a key that unlocks community integration."