BBF launches 3 x 3 tour
The Belize Basketball Federation is pleased and excited to announce the launch of the first national 3×3 basketball tour for the senior men and male U 18 categories. 3×3 basketball is a new category of basketball that has been aggressively promoted by our affiliate body, FIBA and will become an official sport in the 2016 or 2020 Olympics. The 3×3 game is a variation of basketball where two teams each consisting of three players play on a half court.
The BBF is partnering with Sprite in the launch of the U 18 category and with Belikin Beer for the launch of the Mens category. The Sprite /Belikin National 3×3 basketball tour will be held in each town across the country on streets, parking lots or basketball courts during the months of July and August 2012. The District Basketball Associations will coordinate tournaments in each district. Teams consisting of four players and a coach can participate.
FIBA basic 3×3 rules will apply. Winners from each district will play in a finals in Belize City. A slam-dunk contest will also be held in each district as part of the tour.
As a part of the sponsorship, Sprite and Belikin Beer is providing support for the purchase of mobile basketball systems that will transported to each district for the games.
The winning team in the Mens category will automatically qualify to participate in the FIBA 3×3 world tour that will be held in New York on August 18-19, 2012.The top two teams from this tour will advance to the World tour finals in Miami in September 2012.
In the U 18 category, Belize was selected by FIBA to participate in the FIBA 3×3 World Championships to be held in Seville, Spain from September 27-30, 2012. For this category a national 3×3 team will be selected.
For Belize to participate in both of these international events hosted by FIBA, the BBF has to organize 3×3 basketball tournaments in each category in Belize. The BBF is grateful to Sprite and Belikin Beer for sponsorship of this national tournament. This is a demonstration of the partnership that can be forged between the private sector and non-profit organizations. The BBF is thankful to Sprite and Belikin beer for their confidence and support.