The Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to the first ever 3 x 3 Basketball Fiesta in Calabar.
Deputy Governor of the state, Effiok Cobham, while inspecting the new 3 x 3 synthetic basketball court at the Akim Barracks during a visit to the 13 Brigade, Calabar, said he was impressed with the facility, which is the first of its kind in Africa.
"We're happy with the facility on ground and I must say that I'm impressed. This synthetic court further shows that the standard of sports is growing in Cross River State. This is a further improvement on the 2011 edition of the 3 x 3 basketball event," he said.
"In view of the IOC introducing the 3 x 3 basketball at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, it would be best for us to start with it at the next National Sports Festival in Calabar. The moment states embrace this event and participate at the Games, we'll be better placed for the Olympic Games."
Friends of Basketball Nigeria, organisers of the annual 3 x 3 Calabar Carnival Basketball Jam have fixed prizes for this year's event with the winners in the male category going home with $1,000; second place winners with $600 and $300 for the third place team. The women will get $600, 300 and $200 respectively for first, second and third-placed teams.
The Most Valuable Player will earn$300 (male) and ($200).
