FIBA – A big weekend for FIBA Americas

SAN JUAN – The dust has finally settled on one of the most important weekends in the history of FIBA Americas.

The election of Horacio Muratore (picture right) as President of FIBA Americas and the designation of Argentina as the host nation for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship were the headline-grabbers, but it was an important three days for other reasons.

On Friday, FIBA Americas, celebrating 30 years in operation, opened new offices on Escorial Avenue in San Juan.

During the dedication ceremony, it was announced that the two-level building is to be named after Secretary General Emeritus, Genaro “Tuto” Marchand – one of the most influential men in the history of FIBA Americas basketball.

Among Marchand’s numerous responsibilities during his long and distinguished career was his role as the president (1987-93) of the COPABA (Confederation of Pan American Basketball Associations) – the forerunner to the FIBA Americas.

The mood was very upbeat at the new home of FIBA Americas.

“FIBA Americas is a family and the objective has always been to have our own building,” said Mr Muratore.

“It is a great satisfaction and motivates us to keep working with the help of all the federations. This is a triumph of all basketball.”

There were other significant aspects to the weekend.

New FIBA Statutes for 2010-2014 were approved in co-ordination between the legal commissions of FIBA and the FIBA Americas.

There was also warm applause for FIBA President Bob Elphinston, whose term comes to an end later this year.

The popular Australian received the FIBA Americas Order of Merit for his contributions to FIBA Americas as well as for his outstanding work in being a leading voice in international basketball over the past several years.

The importance of the weekend was underlined by a presentation on Olympic solidarity delivered by FIBA Sport Development Director Zoran Radovic and which was warmly received by everyone attending the FIBA Americas Central Board meeting.

FIBA