TALLINN (Estonia) -  Estonia are marking their basketball centenary this weekend in Tallinn and part of the festivities is the Baltic Way Cup with its national team, and those of Latvia and Lithuania, also taking part.

FIBA Europe Executive Director Kamil Novak is attending the event with the Prime Minister of Estonia and former Estonian Basketball Association (EBA) President Jüri Ratas, EBA President Jaak Salumets and EBA Secretary General Keio Kuhi, among the dignitaries at the celebration.

The Baltic Way was a peaceful political demonstration which took place on August 23, 1989, with around two million people joining hands to form a 600km long human chain through the Baltic countries. The three nations claimed independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

"It’s a great way for the Estonian Basketball Association, which is obviously a very important member of the FIBA family, to mark the centenary," Novak said.

"We all know that all three nations have rich histories in basketball. The fans of these national teams are passionate in their support so it is a wonderful occasion."

The Baltic Way Cup is the first national team tournament to take place in Europe following the interruption caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Among the 18 players representing Estonia's national team in the competition this weekend is the national team captain, Siim-Sander Vene, who just married.

Exciting players from Lithuania like Marius Grigonis, Edgaras Ulanovas and Rokas Jokubaitis are suiting up for their national team and among the Latvians are Kaspars Berzins, Artis Arte and Arturs Ausejs.

FIBA