Five continents, 96 cities, one day – all with one aim, to mobilise 5 million people during a global celebration of shooting hoops in an attempt to create a Guinness World Record on 13 October with the YMCA World Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal.
In the photo: American basketball players Kyler McClary and Kristen Degou practice for their much anticipated slam dunks in the Guinness World Record attempt for the YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal. The basketball duo work for PeacePlayers International, a global initiative that uses basketball to unite, educate and inspire young people. (Story: Sophie Thompson)
Basketball originated at the YMCA in 1891. A physical education teacher, Canadian-born James Naismith invented the game when he took a soccer ball and a peach basket into the YMCA gym, thus a new game was born.
The YMCA event will take place in thousands of local communities around the world, highlighting a global basketball shoot-out that starts in New Zealand, and ends in Hawaii following the time zone progression. The day’s activities will be connected by live broadcasting and other forms of social media during the day, creating a link with various communities and cultures.
The official count will be around how many people are shooting basketballs on the day, not the actual scoring of the goals.
Rev Ian Booth, CEO of the Greater Durban YMCA stated, “We are hoping that everyone coming to Albert Park will be brave enough to shoot a hoop. The whole day is going to be extremely colourful, along with some competitive action on the court.”
“The day is about fun, but also an opportunity to display what the YMCA is all about. The message we would like to achieve is: make a contribution, get involved in your communities, there are some great things happening. We are creating a safe space for young people.”
In Durban, the day will involve activities for all ages – basketball skill development, friendly basketball games, entertainment, food and tons of fun organised by Greater Durban YMCA.
The International Federation of Basketball (FIBA) and UNESCO are worldwide supporters of the initiative.
The events will be open to everyone. Come down to Albert Park and shoot a hoop, making global history at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal Global Challenge on 13 October.
For more info contact Thandeka Ntshangase on thandeka@saymca.org.za or 031 305 4496
Search for South Africa YMCA on Facebook or follow @YMCA_SA on Twitter.