FIBA 3x3 World Tour Returns To Abu Dhabi, Celebrating Paris Olympic Legacy And Basketball Growth

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and FIBA are strengthening their collaboration as the World Tour unfolds at the Corniche. Talal Al Hashimi, Executive Director of Events at ADSC, extended a warm welcome to the 14 teams participating, expressing his hopes for their success in Abu Dhabi.

Al Hashimi highlighted the significance of hosting this tournament following a memorable summer of sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He stated, "This relationship with International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has been going for nine years and we are so proud of this journey with them. Abu Dhabi continues to be a leader in the 3x3 world since hosting the very first FIBA 3x3 World Tour in 2015. The game has developed so fast, not only in Abu Dhabi but across the whole of the UAE, and the love for the sport has continued to grow to new heights."

He also emphasised how hosting events like QUEST contributes to the growth of 3x3 basketball across the UAE. "One of the main KPIs we have of any event we host here is to maintain the legacy of what we experienced. That is why we continue to organize and hold the community basketball championship, The QUEST, right here in the capital. It has attracted a lot of teams from all over the UAE to compete, to win the opportunity of a lifetime to play against the best in the world at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour weekend," he added.

Ignacio Soriano, Head of Events and Partnerships at FIBA, expressed gratitude for being part of this event. He said, "We’re honoured to be here, and we obviously value our relations with ADSC. The main event we have here is the pinnacle of all the work ADSC does, giving amateurs the opportunity to play right here on the court; we are giving youth here inspiration."

Soriano further explained their mission to promote basketball by involving Olympic Gold medallist Worthy De Jong in local school visits. "Our goal is to promote basketball. We want to grow the game. So, ensuring that we have the likes of Worthy going to local schools here in Abu Dhabi, like we did yesterday, is all part of that plan," Ignacio added.

Worthy De Jong from Team Amsterdam shared his positive experiences in Abu Dhabi: "My experience in Abu Dhabi is always great; we get to experience so much, and hopefully inspire people too." He mentioned being inspired by Michael Jordan and his father who also played basketball.

Impact on Local Community

De Jong hopes attendees will find inspiration during this weekend's games. He remarked on how more events can enhance both skill levels and passion for basketball within UAE communities: "The more games and events you have here, the better. It’s only going to improve the game and love for it."

The ongoing partnership between ADSC and FIBA continues bringing world-class sporting action into Abu Dhabi while inspiring future generations through engaging activities like school visits by renowned athletes such as Worthy De Jong.

With inputs from WAM