The unveiling of brand new state-of-the-art basketball and netball courts at Ravenscourt Park is taking place on Saturday.
Olympic stars are set to unveil brand new state-of-the-art basketball and netball courts at Ravenscourt Park on Saturday.
The new courts which will meet international standards will be opened with the world-class basketball players shooting hoops in an exhibition match taking place from 12pm to 1pm.
Basketball and netball have been two of the areas fastest growing sports which meant H&F Council were keen to assist the English Outdoor Basketball Initiative’s (OBI) in creating the basketball Olympic legacy.
Cllr Greg Smith, H&F Council cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This is excellent news for everyone who enjoys playing basketball and netball. There are so many wonderful sporting facilities in Hammersmith & Fulham and we are delighted that we can now add these new courts to that
list.”
The London Olympics really has ‘inspired a generation’ to take part in sport and who know, it is possible that these new courts may help Great Britain to unearth some of the future stars of the 2016 Rio Olympics.”
The launch event will run from 9:30am to 4pm and all residents are encouraged to join in the activities which includes; coaching sessions, a bouncy castle and face painting.
Warwick Cann, Head of Performance, English Basketball said: “Access to basketball courts for training and playing is an issue in England. Local councils and venues who provide courts that encourages and allows frequent use at low cost access will benefit our urban youth who love the game of basketball.”
I hope these courts will encourage local youth to practice the skills especially shooting which will help basketball in England and to help encourage the next Loul Deng or Jo Leedham.”
Improvements to the park include an international sized basketball show court, three-on-three basketball training and competition areas, spectator seating, landscaping around the courts and resurfacing of existing courts.
The OBI is a not-for-profit company originally set up by England Basketball to provide easy to access opportunities for people to play basketball outdoors.
They have erected over 9,000 basketball goals throughout England.
The £197,000 scheme saw the OBI provide £75,000, a further £72,000 from Sport England and £50,000 from the council.
Richard Lewis, Sport England Chair, said: “This investment will create a fantastic sporting legacy for Ravenscourt Park.”
This fund has really hit the mark with sports clubs in London. It shows that we’re offering the legacy that people want for their community.”
Ravenscourt Park is a Green Flag park, one of six, meaning that it is ranked as one of the best in the country.
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