F1 might have roared out of town, but the sporting drama continues on Yas Island next weekend as the National Basketball Association takes over the Flash Forum venue.
This three-day interactive basketball festival, NBA Jam Fest, will have B-ball fans bouncing with excitement as in the lead up to the event NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, previously the star centre of the Houston Rockets, will be making an appearance here in the capital. The Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, who stands at a whopping 7ft tall, will be meeting fans and leading a series of events for local coaches and youths to develop basketball expertise in the UAE capital.
You’ll be able to catch the big man himself signing autographs and meeting fans at Marina Mall on December 1. Hakeem will also be appearing at two clinics based at Al Jazira Sports & Cultural Club on November 30. Conducted by professional NBA coaches, there will be one session for 50 lucky young basketball players, and another specialist session for coaches. Both are aimed at developing basketball expertise in the city and getting as many young’uns as possible to benefit from the sport.
NBA Managing Director for the Middle East Aly El Hamamsy says: ‘Through the launch of this event, and by working with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Basketball Federation, we will continue to develop basketball in the country and promote the values of sportsmanship and teamwork that are inherent to our game.’
While undoubtedly impressive, the NBA Jam Session is not the first event of its kind in the capital. In March this year, NBA Global Ambassador and 18-year NBA veteran Dikembe Mutombo conducted a clinic for 30 basketball players at the American International School in Abu Dhabi. Kids aged 13 to 18 participated in drills focusing on basketball fundamentals and skill development.
This weekend, however, keen players can head down to Flash Forum for some dribbling action, and get involved in an all-inclusive three on three tournament that will be taking place over the Jam Fest weekend. For those who prefer watching to playing, there will be performances by the New York Knicks’ dance team, the Indiana Pacers’ mascot and the Milwaukee Bucks’ dunk team. An array of court-based competitions and activities will also be taking place, giving fans the opportunity to snap up NBA prizes, attend autograph sessions and listen to live music and DJ performances throughout the weekend.
The three-day event runs from Dec 2-4, 2pm-11pm and is open to all members of the public. For further information, visit www.yasisland.com. To find out more about the NBA visit www.nba.com.To register for participation in the three on three tournament, register at www.duplays.com/3on3yasisland.
Wanna play?
Practise your moves on these courts in the capital.
Abu Dhabi Country Club: Kids can get lessons here from a qualified coach, or adults can hire out the full-sized courts for some B-ball action. Book in advance on 02 657 7777
Al Jazira Sports Club: Sign up for the Duplays indoor Basketball league, held at Al Jazira Sports Club. The new 10-week season runs from January to March 2011, so make sure you register before December 15 to reserve your place on a team. Contact basketball.auh@duplays.com for more information, or call them on 055 404 8327
Corniche courts: Head to the Corniche, opposite the Hilton Baununah, to use the free basketball courts and practise a spot of dribbling. Make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds.
