MINSK (FIBA U17 Women’ Basketball World Cup 2018) – The countdown to the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup has hit a major milestone and the Belarusian Basketball Federation has marked 100 days until tip-off by holding a basketball master class for underprivileged children.

The event, held at the Falcon Club Arena, one of the venues for the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in July, provided the backdrop to the clinic.

A number of teenagers aged 13-15 from Orphanage Number 5 in Minsk enjoyed a range of activities – provided by a number of famous basketball people from the country.

These included the likes of senior women’s head coach and former Olympian Natalia Trafimava as well as famous ex men’s star Yahor Mesharakou, with everyone offering both verbal advice and practical skills on the court.

Some of the players who will compete for Belarus at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup were also on hand,  such as Darya Siamiletnikava, Aliaksandra Shumeika and Yana Zubarenka.

"For us, we are looking for a very responsible start [when the tournament begins] and it will be very pleasant to play at home,” said Zubarenka.

"Playing in Minsk adds a special excitement because it is important not to let down the domestic fans.

"We know the strongest players in the world will be coming here to Belarus, but we are training intensively and we are hoping for a good result," she added.

Players from the men’s U18 national team also proved popular and they all took part in a friendly match.

A number of high-profile figures such as Belarusian Basketball Federation President, Maxim Ryzhenkov welcomed members from both the Minsk City Executive Committee and Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus.

The opportunity was particularly welcomed by the participants, since they already play basketball twice a week at the Orphanage. As a reward for taking part, they received basketball uniforms, basketballs and other souvenirs from Secretary General, Nastassia Marynina, on behalf of the Belarusian Basketball Federation.

The event was also used to promote the volunteer programme for the 2019 European Games which will also be held in the city.

FIBA