The International School Sport Federation (ISF) is hosting the 2024 Gymnasiade in the Arabian Gulf, and from 23 to the 31 of October 2024, the largest ISF school sport event will gather school students from around the world to compete in 26 different sports, including 3x3 basketball.
As winners of the Academy League 3x3 competition back in May 2024, Barking Abbey's EABL team was offered a spot at the prestigious event.
The WEABL competition was claimed by Copleston High School, but are unable to make the event, with Barking Abbey stepping in to fill their WEABL spot instead.
The opening ceremony will take place tomorrow, 24 October, and the tournament will offer a number of cultural and educational opportunities alongside what is sure to be high-level competition.
BE will also be sending two 3x3 officials to the tournament, Gabby Boateng and Aniisa Kabuye, to further their development as referees in the shorter format.
"With 3x3 confirmed as one of 10 sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, sending teams out to the 2024 ISF Gymnasiade in Bahrain further strengths our commitment to the shortened format of the game.
"This is a huge opportunity for the student athletes at Barking Abbey as they compete on a world stage against some of the best talent from other countries, and for Gabby and Aniisa to develop as 3x3 referees at a high-level international event.
"As well as taking part in the 3x3 basketball tournament, the delegation will experience the culture and diversity of a gathering of World Nations. We wish them all the best in Bahrain and hope they have an enriching experience that will last a lifetime."
“We are excited to represent Basketball England at the ISF Gymnasiade in Bahrain.
"It’s a great opportunity to challenge our players and experience a major tournament in a country none of us have been to before."
The ISF Gymnasiade has been running since 1974 and has featured stops across the globe over the years, including Marrakesh, Morocco (2018), Doha, Qatar (2009), Shanghai, PR China (1998) and Bruges, Belgium (1990).
26 different sports (including four parasports) will form this year's event, from chess, fencing and 3x3 to beach volleyball, swimming, handball and more.
12 stunning venues will also be used to host the sports across the event, including the incredible Art Hotel & Resort, and the American University of Bahrain.
The 3x3 basketball event gets underway this Saturday, 26 October, before a cultural day on Sunday 27th.
Three more days of competition will then conclude the event on 28, 29 and 30 October.
For more information on this year's tournament, please click the button below.
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Main image credit - Barking Abbey
