CLB 3X3 Quest Tour set to launch in Canberra
The 2016 CLB 3x3 Quest Tour is set to be launched on the ANZAC Day weekend at Westside Acton Park in Canberra.
Run by the team at Champions League Basketball (CLB), the event being conducted in Canberra is the first event of the Australian Quest Tour, endorsed by FIBA and recognised by Basketball Australia.
CLB General Manager Matt Hollard, explained that 3X3 in Australia was set to explode.
"The 3X3 format is ready to take off in Australia," shared Hollard. "We have been working collaboratively with Basketball Australia and FIBA to really take this format of the game to the next level here in Australia."
According to the FIBA 3X3 competition network structure, the Quest Tour comprises of multiple tournaments, with a set number of regular events and a Final that qualifies one or several teams directly to the FIBA 3X3 World Tour. With the best teams from qualifiers held across the globe gaining a ticket to compete in the World Tour Masters tournaments, the elite teams will have a chance to book their place in the FIBA 3X3 World Tour Final. Australia and the FIBA Oceania region will have a great opportunity to qualify for these elite tournaments from the CLB 3X3 Quest Tour.
As the CLB 3X3 events in Australia have been provided with Quest Tour status, entries are open to other elite 3X3 sides from around the globe, helping raise the profile and standard of the 3X3 competition in Australia.
Hollard was quick to also explain why CLB has stepped in to help run 3X3 basketball in Australia.
"There has been an overwhelming demand to have an Australian team qualify for the World Masters and World Tour events, both men and women. CLB are putting a lot of time and effort into setting up a professional 3X3 competition for all ages that will see Australia qualify for all international events in the coming years.”
That sentiment was also shared by CLB 3X3 Event Manager and former Australian Opal Tracey Browning.
“We are beyond excited to see where this competition will lead us as far as an Australian presence in the 3X3 world market. We just want to see our talented basketballers both men and women, show us what they are capable of and what better way to do that than with a fast paced, exciting game of 3X3.”
As they have been doing with their CLB 5on5 concept set to come to fruition in 2017, CLB 3X3 are aiming to connect with the grassroots basketball community. For the event in Canberra, SEABL players from the Canberra Gunners and Geelong Supercats will be in attendance (who do battle the following day) and will be joined by members of the University of Canberra Capitals WNBL side.
"As it is ANZAC weekend we are really wanting to admire and respect our fallen, returning and active soldiers and will have a tribute to them before the competition starts," further added Hollard. "We have therefore also engaged with the Australian Defence Force and are hopeful they may also enter teams into the tournament as well."
Additional Quest Tour events have been locked in for Darwin and Sydney in June and November respectively, while other dates for Melbourne, Perth, Tasmania and Cairns are expected to be confirmed soon.
Event Details
CLB 3X3 Quest Tour Location: Westside Acton Park - Canberra Date: Saturday April 23 starting from 9am (all day) Categories: Under 13 through to Open, men and women. Wheelchair teams are welcome. Prizes: Cash prizes for the winners of the Open categories and Spalding giveaways for under age teams Catering/ Entertainment: Street food and coffee available all day and general admission is free for spectators. 175 Exclusive VIP Tickets are available for $30.00 per person. To purchase your VIP Ticket go to www.stickytickets.com/36663 Registration: Teams of 3-4 must register via the FIBA 3X3planet.com app and entry is $80.00 payable directly to CLB via EFT/Direct Deposit. Registrations close Tuesday April 19.
