FIBA Open 2023: An Edition To Be Remembered

MIES (Switzerland) – Close to 300 teams and 1’100 players invaded the courts on 17 and 18 June at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball for the ninth edition of the FIBA Open.

Established as a way of opening the doors of the FIBA World Headquarters to the surrounding communities, the FIBA Open also aims to be inclusive to all, allowing athletes of all ages and capabilities to play. 18 different categories treaded the 12 courts divided between the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball and the Centre Sportif in Versoix. 

For the youngest participants (3 to 8 years old), Mini Basketball initiations were organized throughout the day for them to discover the game and have fun. As of 10 years old, every age class was represented up to seniors and an over 40  years old category.

For the second time in the FIBA Open history, wheelchair basketball players could play in their own category and show excellent skills.

8 Special Olympics teams from  Albania, France, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Lithuania took part in the tournament. Each player received a certificate of participation. Both teams representing Lithuania faced each other in the final and offered a great show.

Visitors and players could also enjoy the event, taking in the festive atmosphere, watching the great camaraderie on the courts, discovering the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball which was celebrating its 10th anniversary, and taking part in various activities such as quizzes or the raffle. On this occasion, the FIBA Open also welcomed Skitt Customs,  a Swiss artist specializing in sneakers customization.

Beyond being the biggest 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland, the FIBA Open is first and foremost a fundraising event for the FIBA Foundation's Basketball For Good projects. All proceeds will be donated to these social initiatives.

For the first time, a FIBA Foundation Youth Leadership seminar was organized in parallel to the FIBA Open. 17 representatives from 14 different European countries took part in a workshop to learn how to use basketball to create a positive change within their communities.  These Youth Leaders then actively participated in the organization of the FIBA Open and will now put their learnings into practice during the FIBA European Youth Championships 2023.

The FIBA Foundation is very grateful to its partners such as Peak, Molten, Synergy Sports, Swiss Basketball, Mondo, and many others without whom this event would never have been possible.

The event was made possible with over 140 hardworking volunteers and referees.

Next year, the FIBA Open will celebrate its 10th anniversary! See you on 15-16 June 2024.