DMCC to sponsor the 2014 FIBA U17 Basketball World Championships in Dubai this month
DMCC, the global gateway for commodity trade and enterprise in Dubai and the region, announced today it will be one of the sponsors for the first ever FIBA U17 World Championship to be held in Dubai and the Middle East.
This basketball competition is being hosted by the UAE Basketball Association and comes under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council.
A total of 16 teams from across FIBA's five zones will be competing in the tournament: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Spain, UAE & USA. Seven of these teams, including the UAE, are making their FIBA U17 World Championship debut.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC said:
“Following the success of the Kobe Bryant Health and Fitness Weekend last year, the DMCC is excited to be supporting this prestigious sporting event. This competition will help nurture young talent and promote basketball and an active lifestyle here in the UAE and our sponsorship is a reflection of our commitment to promote Dubai and connect nations from all four corners of the world in the Emirate.
“We find there are strong parallels between a healthy lifestyle and success in sports and business and we are always looking for ways to combine both. This is an ideal platform to do so and this edition of the FIBA U17 World Championship will be special for Emiratis and expatriates alike, as it is the first time the UAE is competing. We wish all players the best of luck and extend a very warm welcome to those visiting Dubai and the UAE.”
Ismail Al Gargawi, President of the UAE Basketball Association added:
“The UAE Basketball Association is proud to have the support of the DMCC for this exciting competition. The DMCC is a valued partner and with their support we hope to provide a memorable experience for all those who participate and attend.”
There is a Welcome Dinner, hosted by DMCC for all players, coaches, sponsors and officials on Sunday August 10th at 8.30pm at the Park Hyatt hotel.
The inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship was staged in Hamburg, Germany in 2010. The second edition took place two years later in Kaunas, Lithuania. The USA have won both editions to date, which featured the 12 best national teams in the world from across FIBA's five continental zones on both occasions.
This international event will take place from August 8 to 16 in three locations. The group phase action will be held at the Al Shabab Arena and Al Ahli Arena, and the Hamdan Sports Complex will host the final phase. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.
For more details, please visit http://www.fiba.com/dubai2014