MIAMI.- He baloncesto celebrates its World Day this December 21. The origin of this sport dates back to December 21, 1891 at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the United States.
The game was developed by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, with the intention of keeping students active during the winter months.
Basketball is a sport universal grassroots that is practiced by people of all ages: this encompasses both organized leagues and informal matches. According to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), at least 450 million people play basketball in the world. Furthermore, this sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1936.
United Nations indicates that on August 25 of this year the General Assembly adopted the resolution proclaiming December 21 as World Basketball Day: “Given that sport, including sport for persons with disabilities, plays an important role in promoting peace and development, respect for human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Basketball in the world
In 1892, women began to play basketball and made their debut at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. The UN in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development points out that “sports, arts and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviors, as well as inspiring people, breaking down racial and political barriers, fighting discrimination and defusing conflicts.
The United Nations points out that the presence of basketball is significant in USA, Europe, Asia and other regions of the world. The UN highlights that it was in 2019 when the Basketball Africa League (BAL) was created: currently a professional league with 12 club teams from all over Africa.
In August 2023, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed a new group of basketball illustrious figures who were inducted into the Massachusetts-based Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Stars such as Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich and Becky Hamon appeared among others.
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Source: United Nations/ International Basketball Federation / International Day Portal
