The Dynamik U12 Celebration Day was once again a fantastic event as schools from all over the country came together at Manchester’s National Basketball Performance Centre. With Year 7 players of varying abilities all mixing together to play some fun, competitive 4-on-4 games, there was something for everyone throughout a day full of smiles and enjoyment.
“We’ve been involved in these events for a number of years now and it’s at our core that we support grassroots sport,” said Dynamik Sports Floors' Commercial Director Craig Jack, who was on hand to enjoy the event. “The day itself, with all the young kids, the future champions, coming along to a venue like this with top level equipment and a Dynamik Sports' floor, it’s really inspirational.”
With 20 schools in attendance from as far afield as Cornwall, Sussex and Durham, each team was able to take part in a number of games throughout the day. Split into five pools of four, players as well as teachers and parents were able to mingle, make new friends and connect through basketball.
U 1 2 C E L E B R A T I O N D A Y. ☺️
— Basketball England (@bballengland) May 10, 2019
Who's having fun? We're having fun!
Great day so far from @natbballctr, so good to be able to work with @DYNAMIKsport to get so many young players here today!
GALLERY 📷 https://t.co/1F9gHzETlu#TogetherWeAreBasketbALL pic.twitter.com/bV1nqyXmUm
“It’s been a great experience, really fun!”, said one student from Treviglas School in Newquay, Cornwall. “We do a lot of basketball at school, at break times and lunchtimes and it’s really good!”
“I love being able to show off my skills as a player,” added another.
“We’ve had an excellent day!” said Mrs Ashworth from Southlands School. “It’s a superb venue and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It’s great that this is four a side for Year 7s, so it’s fast, quick games and everyone can be involved in the games, it’s really good.”
Basketball England’s Senior Delivery Manager (Game) Gail Richards said: “It’s great to invite some schools who might not play as much basketball here to Manchester to get engaged in the game. There’s a lot of smiling faces, the teachers are enjoying it and joining in, it’s been a great day.”
The event provides a perfect set up for this weekend’s Dynamik National Schools Championships as some of the best U14 and U16 players from across the country will descent on Manchester for what is sure to be a hotly contested competition across the two days. We’ll have full coverage on our Twitter and Instagram accounts, linked with the buttons below.