European Mini-Basketball Convention in Brussels a major success

BRUSSELS - Representatives from 30 countries met in Brussels, Belgium over the weekend for FIBA's annual European mini-basketball convention.

Previously, the mini-basketball convention has been run in conjunction with the U14 Get-Together, but given the increasing interest in each event individually, 2016 marked the first time the mini-basketball convention has been a standalone event. 

It was organised concurrently with one of Europe’s longest-running U14 mini-basketball tournaments, the Tournoi Europeen de Mini-Basketball, now in its 37th year and still being run by its creator Joris Condijts. 

It was an opportunity for the representatives to share ideas and experiences of developing mini-basketball in their respective countries, whilst learning of projects being undertaken by their fellow European nations.

In particular, the participants were presented with successfully implemented projects in Denmark, Iceland and Estonia who have all made wonderful steps forward with some assistance of FIBA Europe's Youth Development Fund.

Other special guests included Miroslaw Krogulec, Director Sports & Organizational Development for Europe/Eurasia Regional Office from the Special Olympics movement and Michel Bendayan from the International Basketball Foundation. 

The support that the representatives receive from FIBA in achieving their goals was well noted, with constructive feedback offered in how FIBA can further improve this support over the coming year.

"I am very happy and proud for the success of this convention," expressed FIBA Europe Youth Commission President Asterios Zois.

"Mini-basketball is a major pillar among the foundations on which lies the development of our sport, and the significant number of federations represented in the convention has proven the importance that they attach to it.

"Following this convention, FIBA will be able to take concrete steps for becoming the co-ordination point of mini-basketball in Europe."

FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak was also in attendance during the weekend. 

“We at FIBA are absolutely committed to grassroots development, which is reflected by our Youth Development Fund which indirectly assists mini-basketball. 

He was also complimentary towards Belgian Basketball Federation President and FIBA Europe Vice-President Cyriel Coomans, and in particular Secretary General Stefan Garaleas for the job he and his team did in hosting the event. 

“The hospitality provided by the Federation was of the highest standards. With such a wonderful atmosphere to work in, the ideas were flowing freely. 

“I am already looking ahead to next year’s event with anticipation.”   

The 2017 edition will be hosted by the German Basketball Federation.