Post by tony on Aug 3, 2022 11:49:43 GMT
This post on Facebook has caused some discussion….
Dear BBC. Just a reminder that Basketball exists, and is extremely popular in the UK. Unless I have missed something, every time I turn on the BBC coverage of the Commonwealth Games I have yet to see any basketball, despite the success we are having in the wheelchair and running game. (I know it's been on iplayer but why not regular TV.) I remember back to my days working with England Basketball and attending numerous Sport England meetings led by people with backgrounds in the main stream traditional sports. They never really got the game. But they wouldn't - it wasn't their background, or, dare I say it, their class. It was draining! I am usually loathe to use the term 'establishment' because it's too broad, but here I'm not. The sports 'establishment' in the UK still lets basketball down, and does not understand it's appeal and potential. The only change that is ever effected is by some extraordinary basketball entrepreneurs, despite the 'establishment'. And by 'entrepreneurs' I mean those who strive at both the elite and grass roots level, fighting to adapt to the barriers in the system, and break down the financial and class obstacles - because they know the individual and societal benefits of basketball.
Best wishes to all the players in the finals. Thousands know where you've come from to get to where you are and will be rooting for you. And congratulations to all those who gave them the opportunity and chance to be there.
Dear BBC. Just a reminder that Basketball exists, and is extremely popular in the UK. Unless I have missed something, every time I turn on the BBC coverage of the Commonwealth Games I have yet to see any basketball, despite the success we are having in the wheelchair and running game. (I know it's been on iplayer but why not regular TV.) I remember back to my days working with England Basketball and attending numerous Sport England meetings led by people with backgrounds in the main stream traditional sports. They never really got the game. But they wouldn't - it wasn't their background, or, dare I say it, their class. It was draining! I am usually loathe to use the term 'establishment' because it's too broad, but here I'm not. The sports 'establishment' in the UK still lets basketball down, and does not understand it's appeal and potential. The only change that is ever effected is by some extraordinary basketball entrepreneurs, despite the 'establishment'. And by 'entrepreneurs' I mean those who strive at both the elite and grass roots level, fighting to adapt to the barriers in the system, and break down the financial and class obstacles - because they know the individual and societal benefits of basketball.
Best wishes to all the players in the finals. Thousands know where you've come from to get to where you are and will be rooting for you. And congratulations to all those who gave them the opportunity and chance to be there.
