BOA Back GB For 2012 Olympics

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The British Olympic Association has given a ringing endorsement for the participation of both the Great Britain men’s and women’s basketball teams as Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics-an important stamp of merit as FIBA’s impending decision on whether or not GB will be allowed to compete draws closer.

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.

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.”

Team GB Deputy Chef de Mission and BOA Director of Sport Clive Woodward was also impressed:

“GB Basketball’s steady improvement in their performances on the court over the last five years are testament to the dedication of the players and coaches and I believe they have earned their place at the London 2012 Olympics. Last year was Britain’s most successful in international basketball history as both the men’s and women’s teams qualified for their respective 2011 EuroBasket Championships as group winners, confirming their places in the top 16 in Europe.

“The future of British basketball looks bright, with the introduction of the Great Britain Futures men’s team last year and the success of the women’s under-20 team winning the Euro-Basket B Division. I have no doubt that, given the opportunity, Britain’s basketball players would do the nation proud in 2012 and inspire many more young people to get involved with this exciting sport in the UK for many years to come.”

Team GB’s fate will be determined March 13th in Lyon. How are you feeling about it? Do you think we’re in? Drop a comment!