Taiwan to host first NBA game

from http://www.studentpost.com.tw/

Taiwan to host first NBA game 台灣將首次舉行美國職業籃球比賽

Taiwan will host a National Basketball Association (NBA) game for the first time when the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers play an exhibition game at the Taipei Arena on Oct. 8, a breakthrough for a country in which the NBA has a devoted following. NBA China CEO Tim Chen, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin, Sports Affairs Council Minister Tai Hsia-ling, and Chinese Taipei Basketball Association Chairman Wang Jen tar were on hand when the announcement was made, with Chen describing the game as the "best gift" for the long-term support of Taiwanese NBA fans.

Taipei will become the 8th Asian city to host an NBA exhibition or regular season game. Tokyo, Yokohoma and Saitama hosted six regular season two-game series between 1990 and 2003, while exhibitions have been held in recent years in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macau, and Shanghai.

"Oct. 8 will be a historic day for the NBA and millions of local fans in Taiwan. We are honored to present two of the best NBA teams to Taiwanese fans, who are full of passion for the game," Chen said.

According to the organizers, a series of NBA-related activities,
including the NBA Cares program that promotes social responsibility and community charity,
will be held before the game between the Nuggets and Pacers is played in the 12,874-seat Taipei Arena.


to host (v.) 主辦/舉辦
Beijing hosted the Olympics for the first time in 2008.

exhibition (n.) 展覽/展示
The National Museum of History is hosting an exhibition of ancient Mayan culture.

breakthrough (n.) 突破/進展
For a boy as timid as John, to have stood up to the class bully is a great personal breakthrough.

council (n.) 委員會/會議
Iran's Guardian Council discovered ballot discrepancies in 50 districts.

association (n.) 協會/會
The Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) provides better communication between students' parents and teachers.

announcement (n.) 公告/宣布
The teacher made an announcement reminding students to bring snacks for the field trip tomorrow.

to promote (v.) 促進/增進
Our best plan for peace is one that promotes equality for both sides.

on hand 在場
There weren't enough drinks on hand for the party, so Bob went out to buy some more.

a historic day 歷史性的日子
This is a historic day in our fight for independence.

full of passion 對…充滿熱情；熱愛
Kobe Bryant is a player who is full of passion for the game of basketball.