Gold Coast (Australia) - The city of Gold Coast in Australia's state of Queensland played host to the SportAccord Convention 2019 from Sunday-Friday (May 5-10).

The world sport and business summit holds a Sports Festival to complement the conference that brings together representatives from more than 100 International Sports Federations.

3x3 was one of the sports demonstrated during this year's festival which got underway on May 7.  The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) paid tribute to its former President - and former FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann - with a minute of silence held during the opening ceremonies and named the 3x3 court the "Patrick Baumann Memorial Court".

FIBA President Horacio Muratore, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Executive Director Oceania David Crocker attended the opening ceremonies .

"We're delighted with how people have received 3x3," said Crocker. "It certainly is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world and in Australia.

"To see the kids and players of all ages that have come out to play and enjoy the game is a positive sign of the growth of 3x3 which will be an official medal sport in next year's Summer Olympics."

The Gold Coast Basketball Association, led by Joel Mcinnis and the Seahawks Basketball Club's Greg Fox, coordinated the engaging and entertaining activities at the Patrick Baumann Memorial court.

FIBA Hall of Fame Inductee Pero Cameron was also involved in the 3x3 events during the festival.

"The growth of 3x3 is massive. Everywhere I look I see people play 3x3 and I think it's wonderful," the former New Zealand Tall Black said. "The game is definitely different, different ball and size and also a lot of individual skill are needed, you need to be able to contain your man and it looks a little tougher than normal."

The 3x3 demonstration included drills for kids and open runs for the public to play the game. 

Fox reiterated Cameron's statement and attributed the rapid growth of 3x3 to Australia's passion for the urban discipline.

"It certainly fits into our lifestyle in the way we go about our sport in Australia," he reasoned. "The feedback so far has been very positive with the style of game, it's faster and more in tune with the younger generation. It looks big going forward we're very excited about it.

FIBA