The FIBA Basketball World Cup – the Naismith Trophy – will visit New Zealand for the first time as part of its World Tour.
The impressive 60cm tall trophy is named after the sport’s founder, James Naismith. This is the third edition of the cup, made almost entirely of gold, and was crafted by English silverware specialists Thomas Lyte.
Its journey began in China in May and it will have visited 16 countries before touching down in Christchurch for the sole stop in New Zealand.
Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Iain Potter said having the tour on this side of the world gave basketball fans an exciting opportunity.
“Basketball New Zealand is excited to be hosting the World Cup as part of our Sal’s NBL Final 4 weekend.
“This is an opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s beauty to the world, it’s another step in the MBO Tall Black’s Road to China, and of course it’s a rare chance for basketball fans to get close to something they would usually only see on television.
“Basketball is the world’s second-biggest sport, this is a huge deal.”
Those in Christchurch are presented with two chances to take a photo alongside the trophy, the first of which will be at Horncastle Arena.
On both Saturday (June 20) between 2.00-6.30pm and Sunday (July 21) between 3.00-6.30pm, fans are welcome to have their moment with the cup. Entry to arena requires a ticket to the Final 4 which can be purchased here.
The second and final opportunity will be at Ara during the 3X3.EXE competition, from 1.00-2.30pm on that same Sunday (July 21). Admittance to this is free.
Basketball New Zealand is pleased to be working with Christchurch Adventure Park over the weekend to photograph the Naismith Trophy in truly New Zealand settings.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup will be held in China August 31 - September 15. The MBO Tall Blacks pool games are in Nanjing versus Brazil (September 1), Montenegro (September 3) and Greece (September 5).
Further information on the new World Cup and it’s remaining pit stops can be found here.
