FIBA Open welcomes all

MIES (Switzerland) - The 7^th edition of the FIBA Open took place at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies over the weekend of 4 and 5 September. 140 teams took part in the biggest grassroots 3x3 basketball tournament in Switzerland that hosted players from 2 to 60 years of age.

The FIBA Foundation’s goal in organizing the event is to be inclusive to all, aligning with its mission to use Basketball For Good. The 10 different categories allowed athletes of all ages and capabilities to play.

There was no minimum age to take part in the event. As long as they could hold a basketball in their hands, kids could take part in the Mini Basketball initiation. Around 20 children under 8, the youngest only 2, discovered the game and went home with a mini basketball to continue the momentum and keep on playing.

Sarah, 8 years old, was very enthusiastic after the initiation and said, “usually I only do athletics and dance, but now I want to start playing basketball in a club”.

The Family category, which has no limits of age or gender was also a huge success and saw a wide variety of athletes. A few teams were composed of families playing games together for the first time; one was a group of friends who had never played the game before, two teams were made up of Special Olympics athletes, and one team was made of athletes from the WhatSport  association.

As part of its Republique des Sport project, WhatSport association brought a team to the FIBA Open. The Republique des Sport’s aim is to use sport as a catalyst for the integration of migrants. The team included two young migrants, Munkhtal from Mongolia and Nyla from Sri Lanka who are both part of the association which will help them integrate sports clubs of the region.

Javier, a Special Olympics  player who discovered basketball in the adapted basketball team in Vevey, attended the event for the second time: “I was happy to be here because I haven’t been able to play in a while, I also love 3x3 basketball, I’m going to come again next time”.

On top of the games, players could attempt to be crowned shooting champions by taking part in the Dr. Dish shooting contest.

Visitors also enjoyed the event, taking in the festive atmosphere, watching the great camaraderie on the courts, and having lunch at the food stand.  

The Patrick Baumann House of Basketball opened its doors. Players and visitors could discover the museum and the temporary sneakers exhibition ‘Stepping Strong’.

Thanks to our partnerships, Molten provided the game basketballs and a basketball to all the winners while Peak Sports equipped all players.

The event was made possible with over 80 hard working volunteers and referees.

The 8^th edition of the FIBA Open will take place on June 18^th and 19^th, celebrating FIBA’s 90^th anniversary. FIBA was founded on 18^th June 1932 in Geneva, Switzerland, just a couple of miles away from FIBA’s current headquarters.