Tue, Nov 23, 2021 9:04 PM

Boom sport comes to Boom town

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Peter Jones

Marlburians have been quick to have a shot at what has been described as “the largest urban team sport in the world”.

That sport is 3x3 basketball and the venue is Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.

A “three to four-year plan” has this week come to fruition for Stadium management who combined with Marlborough Basketball to facilitate the construction of three 3x3 courts on the eastern end of the stadium.

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Eleven-year-old Hunter Ward, who enjoys playing 3x3 because “there are not so many people on the court and it’s a cool place to be”, lines up the hoop.

Stadium 2000 general manager Bridget Taylor is excited by the latest addition to the multi-purpose facility’s range of sporting options.

“It is a popular game wherever space is at a premium … a real asset for us and the community,” she said. “3x3 caters for all age groups and fitness levels.”

Stadium trustees Pete Baker, Roy Devanny and Simon Halliday were the driving forces behind the new courts, with help from a Lion Foundation grant and the assistance of the Marlborough District Council.

The rapidly-growing sport [pronounced 3 ex 3] is a variation of basketball, played three-a-side, with one backboard and in a half court set-up.

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Dylan Gifford puts up a shot during the Year 5&6 session today.

Floodlights have been installed, allowing for evening play, while a “ball wall” has been added, where footballing skills can be put to the test.

The 3x3 courts have already proved popular with local enthusiasts. The courts were officially opened on Tuesday afternoon with a series of games.

Marlborough Basketball are currently running four sessions for 3x3 players – Tuesday afternoons are designed for Year 5&6 and Year 7&8 competitors to show their skills, with college grade and senior players catered for on Wednesdays.

The games are open to anyone with a $5 entry fee. Players will be rotated by the organisers around different combinations.

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