PRESS RELEASE

HAI-HWA MIDWEST BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO

MAY 8, 2004 - 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

Congratulations and many thanks to all the players, coaches, parents, sponsors and volunteers whose participation and support helped to make this year’s tournament another success.

The tournament started with opening ceremonies by Tournament Coordinator Gene Lee of The Dragon’s Athletic Association, remarks by Mr. Thomas T.C. Cheng, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Ms. Vicky Chuang- Chinese Cultural Center, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Daniel S. Solis, Alderman/Committeeman of the 25th Ward was acknowledged for his assistance and support, Mr. Herman Wong, President of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, University of Illinois at Chicago were also thanked for their cooperation.  Gene Lee also thanked John Chan - Coach, Ciry Ramirez - Head Official, Elisa Moy, Cynthia Moy, Anna Ling and Judy Ng - Tournament Control, Wallace Wang - Express 1⁄2 Hour Photo and all the Dragon’s volunteers who worked very hard to make this year’s tournament another success.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

A-Division, 15 and under

1^st Place: Dragon I                                          2^nd Place: Northwest Suburb                       3^rd Place: Cooperative Chinese

              Chinatown                                                   Chinese School                                                 Language School  

B-Division, 18 and under

1^st Place: Dragon's                                          2^nd Place: Chinese Mutual                          3^rd Place: North Chicago

              Chinatown                                                              Aid Association                                        Chinese School               

C-Division, Asian Open

1^st Place: Rugged Mix                                       2^nd Place: Dragons WW                              3^rd Place: Rockers

              Philippine                                                                 Chinatown                                                   Chinatown

D-Division, 35 and Over

1^st Place: Dragon's  Montreal                             2^nd Place: Dragons Chicago                      3^rd Place: Northwest Suburb

              Chinatown                                                            Chinatown                                                Chinese School  

Gene Lee took this opportunity to announce in 2005 the “25th Annual North American Chinese Basketball Tournament” will be hosted by Chinese Dragon’s Athletic Association/Chicago Chapter/North American Chinese Basketball Association in Chicago during the Memorial Day weekend on May 27-30, 2005.  Teams from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major cities will compete.  This tournament was started in Chicago back in 1981 as a national event to showcase the best Chinese-American basketball players.

For additional information please contact Gene Lee at (312) 398-2338 or www.chicagodragons.com.  Thank you.