ISF WSC Basketball 2024 Concludes Successfully with Greece and China Clinching Championships

Jul. 2, Macao, China - The ISF World School Basketball Championship 2024 has concluded successfully after nine days and 117 thrilling matches. Greece and China 1 emerged as the champions of the boys' and girls' categories respectively. France secured both runner-up positions, while Turkey took boys' third place and New Zealand took the girls' bronze medals.

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Zeljko Tanaskovic, ISF EC member and ISF delegate, expressed his gratitude to the city of Macao, China, for its warm hospitality and excellent organization. He congratulated all the players for their dedication and passion, emphasizing that regardless of the results, the athletes had honorably represented their schools and countries.

Kong Chi Meng, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee and Director of the local Education and Youth Development Bureau, highlighted the support from the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and coordination by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture. He noted that the DSEDJ, alongside other MSAR government departments and local universities, had brought the championship to a glorious conclusion. This event showcased superb basketball skills and indomitable spirit, attracting widespread public attention. All matches were live-streamed, with some broadcast live by local television, and the opening and final matches televised by China Central Television.

This year's championship featured 20 boys' teams and 17 girls' teams from 20 countries and regions, attracting a total of 607 participants, including 228 male and 193 female athletes, as well as 51 international spectators from the ISF Friends & Family program.

The delegations spanned 5 continents, with seven different delegations from 4 continents making it to the semifinals. Notably, France was the only delegation represented in both the boys' and girls' categories. This diverse participation highlights the balanced development of basketball worldwide and reflects the sport's widespread popularity and engagement among school students globally.

The LOC aimed to provide unforgettable cultural experiences and foster deep friendships during the championship. Participants experienced Macao's charm as a world center of tourism and leisure and a city rich in Chinese historical and cultural elements.

The LOC also explored methods for small cities to host international sports events. As a co-organizer, the University of Macau provided accommodation, dining, training facilities, and competition venues.

"Using university campus during students' vacation to host majoy competitions not only enhances the utilization of existing facilities which reduces operational costs, but also provides local institutions and student volunteers with international exposure," said a committee representative. "We aim to showcase Macao, China and its educational resources to international participants, as well as the friends and family which traveled with them, and attract more cultural and educational cooperation."

"We want to attract more International students, especially for those sports talents to study in the University of Macau, and be part of the sports team of the University. Also, organizing this sports event ensures that local staff and students who participated in the event can share their large-scale event management experience locally. Human resources are a vital part of the event's legacy."