The Magic of the Jr. NBA FIP Schools League Invades Città di Castello
The Jr. NBA FIP Schools League, the prestigious championship school organized by the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), stopped in Città di Castello for its annual Final Event. The central Piazza Matteotti, decorated with a festive splash of colour, welcomed the 16 schools/franchises from all over Italy who qualified for the final phase of the tournament.
Before descending onto the three playing fields set up for the occasion, the almost 200 young people basketball players participated in the solemn Opening Ceremony, which was attended by important personalities such as the Mayor of Città di Castello Luca Secondi, the Sports Councilor Riccardo Carletti, the President of the FIP Umbria Regional Committee Gianni Antonelli, the FIP School Sector Manager Giacomo Galanda , and NBA Ambassador Mery Andrade.
Mery Andrade, assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors and former WNBA player and important Italian teams, encouraged the kids to give their best, underlining how the passion for the game is what pushes them to overcome even the most difficult moments. The former Azzurro Galanda, for his part, reiterated the importance of respecting the rules, teammates, opponents and coaches, fundamental elements of the sporting experience. He also praised the young athletes for having reached the final phase of a project, that of the Jr. NBA FIP Schools League, which every year involves an ever-increasing number of kids and enjoys growing attention within school activities.
Once the opening ceremonies were over, the 16 teams were divided into 4 groups of 4 each face each other on the first day of competition, aimed at determining the ranking. Today, May 25, the finals will be held to assign positions from sixteenth to first, with the delivery of the coveted Jr. NBA Rings to the 2024 Champions.
