MIES - The winners of the 3rd annual FIBA Photo Contest have been announced.

Photographers and basketball lovers from around the world were invited to send their best photographs that represented 'How does Basketball change lives?

FIBA's Foundation, the International Basketball Foundation (IBF), which organized the contest, received over 1400 photos from 85 different countries.

The first place was awarded to Andrzej Kubik from Poland. His photo has no title but speaks for itself about the power of basketball.

Second place was awarded to Jaime Sumugat Singlador from the Philippines for his photograph entitled 'After Hard Work'.

This year, the jury chose two third place photographs.

Owen Harvey from the United States of America was awarded third place for his photograph 'The Cage' taken in the streets of New York. While describing his photo, Harvey explained, "Grassroots basketball brings the community together and gives them a space to socialize, stay healthy and be competitive".

Aeson Baldevia from the Phillipines was also awarded third place for his photo entitled 'Look Up' and explains that "Basketball is one of the best examples of a social equalizer. It unites the rich and the poor, it connects strangers, it promotes fun an active lifestyle to all walks of life".

The 40 best photos are currently exposed at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, FIBA's global headquarters, until October which can be visited free of charge.

 All 1400 photos can be seen in this gallery.