New FIBA Europe records for the number of teams participating (197) and games played (371) were set by England Basketball at the 3 on 3 tournament held at Sheffield's Meadowhall Shopping Centre over the weekend of 7-8 July.

 

The weather stayed kind for most of the time and a superb weekend of music, dancers, prize giveaways and 3on 3 basketball, saw one of England Basketball's most successful events draw to a close on Sunday evening after capturing the imagination of hundreds of participants and a good number of passing Meadowhall shoppers.

 

There were fears, especially on Friday when torrential rain saturated the crew setting up for the event; however, apart from a delay of an hour on Saturday afternoon every game was completed as scheduled. In fact, many of the competitors, staff and spectators will be displaying sunburn on Monday morning following sunny spells over the weekend.

 

Special thanks and appreciation goes to FIBA Europe for initiating, in 2011, their support for such events with the provision of portable courts, equipment and apparel. Extra thanks go to FIBA Europe's representatives and drivers (who transported the courts and equipment in the huge trucks covered by the colourful logos of FIBA Europe). The event could never have been staged in Sheffield without the constant support, leadership and guidance of FIBA Europe's 3 on 3 manager, Robert Rieblinger, and his crew members, Elisabeth Cebrian and Felix Förster, plus the truck drivers Frank Stelter and Gerhard Neef.

 

England Basketball Chief Executive Keith Mair felt that it was the most entertaining, inclusive and enjoyable basketball event he had participated in during his time in the position: 

 

"It was a wonderful experience and fantastic to see so many basketball people, with a wide range of backgrounds, ages and ethnicities, in one place and enjoying themselves throughout the two days. Our entire staff team, with the event planned and led outstandingly by Graham Blankley and Todd Cauthorn, performed well beyond what should ever be expected of them over three long days, especially throughout what was for many a 12-hour marathon setting up the courts in the horrible Friday weather. There were brilliant contributions too from those who made the event buzz throughout the two days - the constant music and patter of the Funky Town Entertainers, the polished dancers from rugby league's Castleford Tigers Claws and Wakefield Wildcats Dolls, the quality of the army of officials in attendance and last, but certainly not least, the large number of volunteers who assisted in so many different ways. It is sincerely hoped that the inspiration for this event, instigated by FIBA Europe and its 3 on 3 manager Robert Rieblinger, leads to similar activities throughout England that provide regular, enjoyable and informal opportunities to play basketball."

 

We are also pleased to announce that following the 3 on 3 Tournament, England Basketball's Facebook 'likes' have eclipsed 10,000. Please visit our Facebook page to see over 200 photos taken at the event.

 

The full results from the tournament can be downloaded below. Congratulations also to slam dunk champion Joel Madourie (Next Generation) and three point shoot-out winners Rishi Kakad (Next Generation, Saturday) and Truzzel Spencer (Supernova, Sunday).

 

Please also find links to the website for DE photos and MPhotography, who were on hand all weekend taking shots and to the official release by FIBA Europe.

 

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