The new year is set to kick off with a bang, as Australia’s premiere 3x3 basketball competition, Champions League Basketball, is coming to Wangaratta. Across January 10-11, CLB will showcase the dynamic fun and explosive entertainment of 3x3 basketball in a fun, festive and family friendly environment at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre. An event aimed at all ages and all abilities, the sport of 3x3 basketball is a great way for people from all over the region to get involved and have some fun. Endorsed by FIBA, 3x3 is simple and flexible enough to be played anywhere and by anyone - all you need is a hoop, a half-court and six players. This event will combine elite sport with grassroots to bring two days of 3x3 action along with pre-registered games and free-for-all participation with their three-point shoot-outs and free shoot arounds, structured games and more. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to come together, enjoy the action, and experience everything the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre has to offer,” Rural City of Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant said. “Events like this strengthen community spirit and showcase Wangaratta as a leading regional hub for sport and recreation.” The event weekend provides a terrific chance to register with a few mates and give the sport a try for the very first time or as an experienced player. Players can register to compete in a range of competitions over the weekend, from free community Come n Try Shoot rounds, or Open age players and juniors (U11s to U15s) competitions. All players have a chance to win great prizes and world ranking points - or people might just want to come along as a spectator and enjoy the atmosphere court side and see the rising talent come out on top during each of the finals. Players can be from anywhere and everywhere and do not need to be part of an existing club or association to participate. The sport of 3x3 now replaces 5on5 in the Commonwealth Games and offers a magnitude of opportunity to play overseas for your city and country. This is a huge opportunity for past, current and future basketball players to experience another pathway in which they can play at a junior or elite level for their country someday. CLB’s director and head of events and marketing Yvette Williams said Wangaratta was the perfect location for a 3x3 event. "The inclusiveness and accessibility of the sport is what excites us the most," she said. "With Wangaratta and surrounding areas being such a popular region for basketball we see this first-time event in Wangaratta being a huge success and enjoyed by many whether you are a player or spectator." For more information about 3x3, the event and/or to register a team, visit www.clb3x3.com/events and search Wangaratta.
