UAE Basketball Association technical director Mounir Ben Slimane hailed the inaugural National School League (NSL) Basketball tournament as a success for growing the sport at the youth level.
– #NSL360: VISS seal U16 NSL title against NFPS in a thrilling finale
– VIDEO: #NSL360 Basketball Finals – Under-14 Round-Up
– #NSL360: Indian Hoopstar live up to top billing with dominant victory
The UAE boys’ national side has been one of the highest climbers in the FIBA world rankings, jumping up 17 spots to No66, and the NSL will only further help the nation’s ascension in basketball.
“The UAE Basketball Association has been proud to be part of Sport360°’s pioneer project of promoting national basketball at school level,” Slimane said.
“The new competitive platform which targeted expat and local youngsters across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah was fantastic for grassroots basketball development in the UAE. It has been a good driver to enhance basketball promotion in the country and an added value for talent identification.
“Congratulations to this year’s champions in U14 and U16 and we look forward to the second edition of NSL Basketball in 2016.”
Sponsors of the NSL were also impressed, as both National Ambulance and Stadium praised the competition.
#NSL360: Relive the NSL Basketball under-14 and under-16 finals http://t.co/oPS3TPljPp @VISS_UAE @stadiumuae pic.twitter.com/RQ78YlqZVa
— Sport360° (@Sport360) June 6, 2015
p>“National Ambulance is a proud sponsor of Sport360°’s NationalSchool League Basketball, which has proven to be a huge success amongst everyone who participated,” National Ambulance CEO Robert Ball said.
“The league provides children with an early introduction to the benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle and we remain committed to supporting the development of local sporting activities at the grassroots level as it has a positive, long-term effect onthe welfare of the community.”
Samantha Warrayat, marketing manager at Stadium, added: “Stadium has very much enjoyed being involved in the National School League Basketball.
“We have seen some fabulous basketball being played and been very impressed with the enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by the teams and coaches.
“As a brand Stadium is committed to enabling and encouraging its consumers of all ages and abilities to be active and to enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle; what better place to start than at grassroots level in UAE schools. Congratulations to all those who took part.”
