GB Basketballers Given Full BOA Support

The British Olympic Association (BOA) today gave their full support to the participation of Great Britain’s male and female basketball players as part of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Following a detailed consultation with British Basketball, the BOA confirmed that basketball has met and exceeded the stringent performance and legacy criteria established by the BOA and required to merit inclusion in Team GB.

Basketball is unique among team sports in the Olympic Games as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) retains the power to decide whether to grant a host nation place.

Therefore Team GB representation in basketball at London 2012 is dependent upon the decision from FIBA, which is expected on 13th March.

In showing their full support, Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt and BOA Athletes Commission Chair Sarah Winckless signed the giant ‘SayYes’ campaign basketball vest in the presence of basketballer Sarah McKay and the British Basketball leadership at the BOA headquarters today.

Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA CEO Andy Hunt said: "Basketball in Great Britain has made excellent progress since the introduction of the British Federation in 2006, with both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying as group winners for the EuroBasket Championships in 2011.

"They have surpassed expectations and there is no question that they are now capable of producing credible performances at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"British Basketball has demonstrated to us a strong legacy plan for developing the next generation of players and coaches towards the 2016 Olympic Games and beyond, with the ultimate aspiration of qualifying for future Olympic Games by right.

"In terms of grass roots participation, there has been significant growth in basketball since 2006 and it is now the third most popular team sport played monthly in the UK, after football and cricket. The potential for continued growth and future success is tremendous.

"British Basketball is hugely ambitious for the future of the sport across our nation. We are very confident that, given the opportunity by FIBA, British Basketball will use the London 2012 Olympics as a catalyst to fulfil the potential that exists for the growth in popularity of the sport in the UK.

"We were very pleased to see the supportive comments made by FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann in response to the ongoing ‘Say Yes’ campaign and we see absolutely no reason why both the men’s and women’s British teams should not receive a positive decision from FIBA on March 13th.

"We fully support Britain’s basketball players in their quest to inspire the home crowd with their performances at London 2012."