USA – Americans making the most of World Championship experience

RODEZ (2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – The USA had an impressive start to the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Rodez on Friday night, as they recorded a 70-45 win over hosts France in a packed Amphitheatre.

And USA head of delegation Carol Callan believes this experience will stay with the players and serve them well in the future.

“It was an incredible opportunity for our players to play in front of 2,000 people, in that kind of atmosphere,” she said.

“This is an experience which I’m sure will come in handy for them later in their careers when they play in senior World Championships or Olympic Games.”

Sports occupy a very important place in the American way of life, especially in the lives of teenagers. Playing competitive sports at the highest level while also getting an education is not an easy combination, but Callan believes the right balance has been struck in her country.

“We have an education system which has proved its efficiency over the years. It allows for these young athletes to study and play sports,” she added.

“The system is the same for both boys and girls. They have access to the same facilities where they can get their education as well as play sports at the same time.”

While sports constitute a pastime or hobby for many around the world, in the USA it is taken very seriously. Schools have their followers and the importance of winning is emphasized early on.

That winning mentality is very much in evidence with the American team, one that welcomes the creation of a world championship in this age category and cherish the opportunity to play in it.

“It’s a great idea to have an U17 World Championship for Women. I think it’s the right age category, the players are not too young and it’s very interesting to go up against the best national teams in the world and to show our players that basketball exists beyond our own borders,” said Callan.

“This World Championship is very important to us. It allows our players to broaden their horizons, try and see new things on and off the court.

“It’s also a wonderful trip. It’s a great area here, it’s a bit like a holiday and the Tour de France is coming through Rodez.”

Quick facts about the USA
The United States of America are made up by 50 states and one federal district (the district of Columbia).
The USA has a population of 303.8 million inhabitants.
Women’s basketball originated at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1892. Senda Berenson, who had learned the game from its creator Dr James Naismith, made a few changes to the rules so that it would be more suitable for women.
The USA hosted the 2002 FIBA World Championship for Men.

FIBA/LOC