TUR - 2010 World Championship Fest in Istinye Park

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Today, with 100 days to go until the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey tips off, the enthusiasm and excitement could be felt among the many people who attended a promotional event at the Istinye Park, which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Istanbul.
 
While there are still just over three month to go until the beginning of the Championship, the Local Organization Committee (LOC) is continuing its efforts to showcase the event.
 
Today, two major organizations took place in Istinye Park.
 
Two of the Turkey’s most well-known basketball commentators, Murat Murathanoglu, and Ismet Badem hosted their own radio program on Radyo Spor under the name of “100 days to 2010”. Following the radio program, which was live from Istinye Park, further activities were held with the participation of tournament’s official mascot, Bascat.
 
During a one-hour broadcast Murat Murathanoglu, the LOC’s marketing director and Ismet Badem, a renowned basketball commentator discussed different topics related to this summer’s massive event. The audience’s enthusiasm and participation were there for all to see.

Many basketball fans relished the opportunity of talking to Murathanoglu and Badem.

The guests who participated to the program, inquired about the health of National Team head coach Bogdan Tanjevic, and  discussed the team’s squad for this summer. The other popular subjects of the day were the latest status of the stadiums and the roster of the USA team.

Most of the participants emphasized the importance Turkish hospitality during this worldwide basketball event for the image of the country.
 
Due to the enormous experience of the LOC on global events, there were no concerns about the stadiums and the general organisation of the Championship. The participants also gave their expectations for the games, which will be held in the four different host cities.
 
At the end of the programme, a lucky basketball fan was presented with a signed pair of local NBA hero Mehmet Okur’s shoes.
 
Following the broadcast, several basketball related activities were set up for the young basketball fans in Istinye Park.

The activities attracted many parents and children to play in the games, those performed with the presence of official mascot, Bascat. Participants were rewarded by Championship merchandise, while the winners were presented the Turkey National Team jersey from by Bascat, the friendly World Championship mascot.
 
FIBA