Basketball welcomes Mayor of London’s Basketball Taskforce

THE British Basketball Federation (BBF) and Basketball England have expressed their support for the Mayor of London’s pledge to build on the growing success of basketball in the capital.

The governing bodies, which are responsible for the game from entry level to international competition,  have partnered successfully with the Mayor on initiatives including the London Coaches Programme, through which Basketball England and the NBA have collaborated to train hundreds of coaches and boost participation.

In July, British Basketball worked with the London Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit in an initiative which demonstrated the game’s unique attraction for young people and its power to help them make positive choices in their lives.

BBF Chair, Chris Grant said: “Basketball is a global powerhouse and a local community asset. It’s time to unlock the game’s full potential in generating social and economic benefits, and we’re delighted that the Mayor and his team will be taking the lead in elevating London as a basketball hub.

We’re delighted at this opportunity to build on our partnership

“At international level, we have the opportunity to build on the success of this Summer’s games against Germany and South Sudan, and are already committed to coming back to the Copper Box for our men’s EuroBasket qualifier against Greece in November. As well as bringing NBA games back to the capital, we’re looking forward to hosting FIBA tournaments and to seeing successful men’s and women’s club teams competing in domestic and European leagues.”

Basketball England Chair, Paul Blanchard added: “Basketball is England’s second most-played team sport, and nobody doubts its popularity amongst Londoners. There are many examples across the city of the speed at which investment in facilities and coaching can deliver benefits.

“We’re delighted at this opportunity to build on our partnership with the Mayor of London; the NBA and others to ensure that every neighbourhood has what it needs to welcome existing and new basketball players, fans and volunteers.”