CIV - Abidjan gets a taste of 3x3 basketball

ABIDJAN (3X3) - The promoter TRIO organised on Saturday 8 October the Ivoire 3x3 basketball tournament in the Abidjan suburb Port Bouët. There were a total of 20 teams and 80 players competing at the newly renovated basketball court.

The 49ers were the winning team and proud champions of this first edition. The group was composed of the following players: Kouakou N'dri Ange, Traoré Abdoulaye, Ouattara Karim and Silue Navigué Emmanuel.

In case of injury the organisers felt the need to have a doctor on the sideline during the matches but fortunately they were only called into action for some minor cuts and bruises. 

TRIO's main motivation is to help the youth spend time in productive activities that help them forget about the worries of everyday life.

"I had a feeling of personal satisfaction in the fact that Ivoire Streetball could change the lives of these young players." said Jean-Michel Kamanan, managing director of TRIO.

To officially launch their movement TRIO opted for a sponsor free event, however they invited potential companies such as Coca-Cola who showed much interest in the project.

The latter didn't just show-up, it also offered 200 chairs, two large canopies, an entertainment truck and many other gifts for the spectators.

The next tournament is scheduled to take place in January 2012. The same concept will be displayed where the promoter will distinguish a well patrionsed playground that needs renovating in order to give young players a chance to develop their game.

With so much to look forward to, TRIO hopes "that one day they might represent Côte d'Ivoire in the FIBA 3x3 world tour".

FIBA