ESCH (Lavazza Mini-Europe 2018) – Touted as one of the most traditional U14 tournaments in Europe, the "Mini-Europe" in Esch, Luxembourg celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

The organizers had even more reason to smile after being awarded the title of "U14 Tournament of the Year 2017" by FIBA Europe.

With the foundation and development of any sport being laid at grassroots level, FIBA Europe lends its support to a number of youth tournaments organized by its member federations, and honors extraordinary efforts, by recognizing one tournament each year as standing out from the rest.

FIBA Executive Director Europe, Kamil Novak was on hand in Luxembourg to present the award to Francois Biltgen, Honorary President of Basket Esch.

"Tournaments like the Mini-Europe are vital to the development of youth basketball in Europe, and are teaching valuable lessons on and off the court, as teams from all over Europe come together," said Mr Novak.

"We need people who invest their heart and energy at grassroots level, as the organizers of the 'Mini-Europe' have done for the past 25 years. I am confident that there will be more anniversaries to be celebrated in Esch."

The 25th edition took place from May 19-20, with 12 teams contesting the boys' category and 8 teams competing in the girls'’ category, representing a total of 12 countries.

Belgian team Uccle Europe claimed the title among the boys, while the ChemCats from Germany won the girls' tournament.

FIBA