OSTEND (Belgium) - The players of Belgium, Canada, Japan and Sweden spent a chunk of the rest day at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying  Tournament in Ostend joining forces to help keep the local sand dunes free from litter.

All the nations participating at the event came together as part of an activity arranged with FIBA by the LOC (Local Organizing Committee) and the city authorities

.The aim was to get the players involved in a key and ongoing environmental mission - as well as an enjoyable team building task.The litter pick itself was facilitated by the 'Proper Strand Lopers', a group who arrange a number of projects to help protect the beach landscape.

Amanda Zahui of Sweden was one of the players who took part and commented: "We all have a role to play when it comes to the environment, although what you choose to do and at what level is still a personal choice.

"In Sweden we are brought up as kids to connect with nature and so picking up litter for example ,comes to us naturally.  Doing this here in Ostend is a way to collectively tackle and help the local environment for our hosts.

FIBA