By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 1, 2023 (NAN) The Initiator and founder of Mark ‘D’ Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark has once again expressed his personal commitment towards the growth and development of grassroots basketball in the country in 2023.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mark’s “New Face of Basketball” movement had indeed helped resurrect the hitherto moribund state of domestic basketball and raise the bar of the slam and dunk game in the country.
The Mark ‘D’ Ball brand and its affiliations which are not new to the basketball family have continued to contribute to the sustainable development of basketball at the grassroots.
This it has continued to do in its bid to see that the game is put back on the map and to ensure that all critical stakeholders are involved in the developmental process.
In his New Year message, Mark said that the immense contribution and achievements of the Mark ‘D’ Ball brand was unquantifiable and could not be overemphasized.
He noted that the brand’s little impact in the game of basketball in 2022 was as a result of partnership with stakeholders; players, coaches, technical officials, referees, club owners, administrators, veterans and the media.
He stressed that the brand would continue to contribute its own little quota inspite of all the challenges and resistance by the “enemies of progress”
“Although, the year was one with bags of mixed feelings, as our doodle attempt to get the ball bouncing was fought with great resistance by the enemies of the game, alongside state actors.
“These enemies, ensured that the D’Tigress became the biggest porn in the year 2022, while feeding fat on their bonuses and allowances; they succeeded by denying our ladies the chance to participate at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sidney, Australia.
“Despite all these glitches, our sterling reputation remained the same; as our resolve is to become a tricky pony in the slam and dunk game in the year 2023 and beyond.
“We are on course to achieve greatness in the new year for the sport we love so much, inspite of their proclivity to always stunt the growth of the domestic game because of greed,” he said.
He said that the 2023 edition of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship promises to be the best ever.
He revealed that plans were ongoing to ensure that this year’s edition surpasses the previous tournaments in terms of quality, welfare of players, coaches and officials, number of participating teams as well as the competition’s prize money.
“Let me use this medium to inform all stakeholders that 2023 edition of Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship will become a reference point in Africa, as we will soon let the cat out of the bag.
“This is wishing you a new year filled with possibilities. May the new year bring you more happiness, success, love, and blessings.
“So dream big and believe in yourself this year,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
