MATOSINHOS (FIBA European Mini-Basketball Convention 2018) – The global basketball family gathered in Matosinhos, Portugal from June 2-3, putting the focus on grassroots basketball at the FIBA European Mini-Basketball Convention.

The two-day event was organized by FIBA Europe and the International Basketball Foundation (IBF), in co-operation with the Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB), and marked the launch of a global campaign for mini-basketball with the goal to stimulate the movement across the globe.

Following on from the European event, the project is set to stop in all of FIBA’s regions, with symposiums in Australia, Mexico, Morocco and Sri Lanka to be organized later this year.

"We are proud to have tipped off this new mini-basketball initiative in Europe, and thankful to the Portuguese Basketball Federation for hosting an extraordinary event, which will serve as the blueprint for the future," commented FIBA Executive Director Europe, Kamil Novak.

"Promoting and supporting grassroots basketball is one of FIBA’s key objectives, and these conventions will help identify the resources worldwide, strengthen the local structures and build a legacy in the long run."

The symposium in Matosinhos brought together 100 specialists from Portugal and delegations from across Europe, exchanging their best practices in practical sessions on Saturday and during a conference on Sunday. They were joined by a delegation from the Special Olympics, continuing the close cooperation between FIBA and the Special Olympics, as well as representatives from Australia, Mexico, Morocco and Sri Lanka, who took in and shared ideas.

Among the guests and lending their support were FIBA President Horacio Muratore, FIBA Europe President Turgay Demirel, President of the FIBA Europe Youth Commission, Asterios Zois and IBF Director Florian Wanninger.

"Mini Basketball is very dear to my heart as it is with this age group that I started my basketball journey as a coach and administrator," said Muratore. "I'm delighted to see it becoming a global movement supported by FIBA through its foundation, the IBF."

The event was framed by a mini-basketball tournament, which saw the participation of 1,200 children from Portugal and Spain, aged 5-12. Each participant was gifted with a branded basketball, donated by the IBF.

"We achieved everything we wanted to achieve, exceeding all expectations we had when accepting to organize such an innovative event. We feel satisfied and proud of the success of the Mini-Basketball Convention," expressed FPB President Manuel Fernandes.

"Matosinhos is a mythical place for basketball, in our country, because of the activities developed with countries from all over the world. Ideas were discussed, experiences were exchanged, and we believe the strategies by FIBA Europe and the International Basketball Foundation to develop mini-basketball worldwide were empowered."

FIBA