By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
For the very first time in the history of the sport, World Basketball Day was officially declared on December 21, the date of birth of basketball. On the same day in 1891, in fact, the first game of basketball famously took place in Springfield, Massachusetts following Dr. James Naismith’s invention.
With a press release, “FIBA is excited and proud to celebrate a historic first-ever World Basketball Day after it became the first team sport to receive such a global recognition and prestigious honor. Arising from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and its plenary meeting that was held during August, on the eve of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, a resolution was adopted that established the inaugural World Basketball Day on December 21”.
Regarding this matter, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis had nothing but high words. “We are tremendously proud of the establishment of World Basketball Day and very grateful to the UN and other partner organizations who continue to recognize the positive role that basketball plays for millions of different people living around the globe. The fact that basketball is the first team sport to receive such recognition is a clear demonstration and endorsement of the vast societal benefits it delivers, as well as the unlimited potential that exists in utilizing Basketball For Good”, he commented.
He was followed by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations at Geneva. “Aligning perfectly with our 2030 Agenda, basketball serves as a powerful enabler in driving sustainable development. It’s not just a game but a platform that changes perceptions, challenges prejudices, and unites communities worldwide. The sport’s ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, speaking a universal language of unity and inclusivity, is truly remarkable”, she said.
Among several activities and activations, including a special event at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball for dignitaries from the various UN entities and Partner organizations in Geneva, as well as guests from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), and representatives from the YMCA, “FIBA Foundation is also using the first World Basketball Day to launch its annual photo contest. Fittingly, this year’s theme is “Basketball For Good”.
First-ever basketball game was played 132 years ago today.
Thank you Dr. James Naismith! #WorldBasketballDay pic.twitter.com/CQxuF1oZfw
— FIBA (@FIBA) December 21, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA