On June 6, young athletes from schools across London took part in the first-ever basketball competition to be held at Trafalgar Square.
The event was hosted by Jr. NBA 3v3 as part of a new collaboration between NBA and London Marathon Events, hoping to increase participation in the sport.
Trafalgar Square was transformed into three courts providing all-day action, featuring boys’ and girls’ competitions, wheelchair basketball coaching and 3v3 coaching for primary school children.
London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher said: “Inspiring more people to be active is at the heart of everything we do at London Marathon Events, and hosting the first-ever basketball tournament in Trafalgar Square was a landmark moment.”
The fight for the title of champions came down to the final 10 teams, with nine London boroughs represented in a show of strength across the capital.
In the girls’ competition, Ealing-based Glenthorne High School triumphed against Lambeth-based Lilian Baylis Technology to take home their championship rings.
Ealing-based Drayton Manor High School came out on top against Bexley-based Beths Grammar School in the final of the boys’ competition.
Drayton Manor High School coach Jamie Black said: “I am blown away and am so proud for the boys to make it to the finals, let alone win.
“When they are my age, they can look back and say, ‘Not only did we play at Trafalgar Square, but we won’. It is an amazing story to tell their families.”
NBA champion with the Miami Heat Ronny Turiaf, awarded the winners of the boys’ and girls’ competitions with their prizes, and took part in autograph sessions, while the Philadelphia 76ers mascot, Franklin the Dog, met with participants and spectators.
The day concluded with some of London’s leading content creators taking part in NBA 3X, with the mixed elite 3v3 competition – which included a dunk show – bringing down the curtain on a memorable day at Trafalgar Square.
Featured image courtesy of London Marathon Events
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