At least over $10, 000 would be up for grabs when the FIBA Africa Zone 3 first major event, the 3×3 Tour gets underway at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21.
Unfolding plans for the event, which is the first major event being organized by the Executive Board of the FIBA Africa Zone 3, President of the body, Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd), said apart from the total prize money, all participating countries would go home fulfilled.
He said: “A total prize money of $10, 000 would be up for grabs by the participating teams among other juicy benefits that would enjoy.
“The event will also feature other side attractions like the three points shootout; slam dunk and musical attractions.
“Members of the public and the media will also have opportunities to win prizes during the event. The NBA Africa has also given its commitment to be part of the event, which will also have other Nigerian and international players from across the globe in attendance.
He assured all of the Zone board’s commitment to take the game to greater heights in areas of influence.
“In this regard, I want to assure you also that our resolve is to strengthen the National federations in our jurisdiction to be self-sufficient and more proactive, in line with the new FIBA direction of new governance.
He expressed appreciation to their committed sponsors and partners for the event.
“I want to thank you all for believing in us in our quest to take basketball to the next level. AMK Foundation, Wakanow.com, Smile Communications and other prospective sponsors and partners like GOtv and Nestle Nigeria Plc.
“We cannot show our appreciation well enough for your believe and support. We look forward to future cooperation with other sponsors as well.
Vice chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the event, Babs Ogunade said seven countries namely hosts, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin republic and Liberia would be participating in the event.
He disclosed that Niger Republic could be part of the event because the country at the moment does not have a basketball federation.
According to him, matches would hold in three different categories while all vacancies as a result of a country that fails to register in any of the three categories would be filled by Wild cards from Nigerian teams which have applied already with the technical committee of the event.