MIES (Switzerland) – The second edition of “World Basketball Day” saw the world of sport come together to celebrate the positive influence and appeal of a discipline that appeals to millions of people and their respective communities throughout the world. the world. Basketball became the first team sport to receive this special status at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last year and now, every December 21, is the date of the invention of basketball by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 , players and fans from around the world have the opportunity to share their passion with the rest of the world. David Hollander, a professor from New York, is the visionary behind “World Basketball Day.” He collaborated with the Basketball for Good section of the FIBA Foundation and representatives of the United Nations to make his dream a reality.
Read more about the inspiration behind ‘World Basketball Day’
Even the biggest stars have joined in celebrating “World Basketball Day.” The captain of the Slovenian national team and Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic chose December 21 to launch his Foundation.
The Luka Doncic Foundation will work to ensure that sport is a source of joy and enrichment in the lives of young children around the world. She will benefit from the wise advice of iconic players such as Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Sabrina Ionescu, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, to name a few.
“Practicing a sport must be done in a safe environment, in which children can learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes and above all have fun – this is why I decided to create this Foundation and to surround myself with an incredible team to best plan and target our work”dit Doncic.
Luka Doncic chose “World Basketball Day” to launch his Foundation
Many other activities were organized to mark this special day, under the aegis of the FIBA Foundation which, in partnership with Olympic Solidarity, set up multiple “Basketball For Good” festivals in five selected Olympafrica centers.
The goal of these festivals was not only to promote basketball and youth development, but also to generate a positive social impact in each of the five chosen locations.
Children enjoying activities organized in Rwanda
Au Rwanda, skills development exercises and mini-tournaments for mixed teams were planned, as well as a conference on the theme “Breaking down barriers: the role of sport in achieving equality between men and women” , a drumming session bringing together local youth groups and the creation of a mural specially designed by the participants with messages addressing gender equality.
En Uganda, a Mini Basketball jamboree was organized, as well as a workshop for participants covering many important topics such as menstrual hygiene, protection and mental well-being.
En Guinea, training sessions to improve technical skills were offered, with participants donning 3×3 jerseys inspired by traditional Guinean designs. A clinic dedicated to girls in basketball, a round table on “Strengthening the place of women and young people in sport” and a “Unity Game” – a confrontation between young and old – were organized, all accompanied by traditional music and dances.
En Tanzania, a basketball hoop was erected at a selected school and a Mini Basketball jamboree was held at the Olympafrica Centre, while in Zanzibar, educational sessions on the history of basketball were held, as well as sessions training and matches for participants. One of the main reasons to celebrate this “World Basketball Day” is the ever-growing popularity of the sport, which has reached a new all-time high. In fact, it is estimated that more than 610 million people aged 6 to 54 play basketball at least twice a month.
Read more about global basketball figures
World Basketball Day: FIBA celebrates its more than 610 million players around the world
These exceptional participation levels confirm the results of a study carried out by the renowned analysis firm Nielsen Sports, which revealed that there are to date more than 3.3 billion basketball fans aged 16 to 69. . This study also showed that almost 3 out of 4 people are interested in basketball, making it the second most popular sport in the world behind football. Wherever you are on the planet, take part in the celebrations too. Grab a ball and go play, put on your favorite jersey, talk about it and celebrate “World Basketball Day” properly surrounded by your friends and/or family! And don't forget to share your passion for basketball on social media!
FIBA
