City Scene - November 2003: City gets maxi-b’ball

November 2003

Lead Stories

Central city bus changes

A lesson for education sector

Decision expected soon on pipe route

Hagley Avenue improvements

Big cities survey rates Christchurch

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City gets maxi-b’ball

Christchurch will host the 8th FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championships in 2005. The 22- 30 January 2005 event should bring about 100 teams from around the world and 10 from New Zealand, a total of between 1500 and 2000 people. Maxibasketball is played in more than 60 countries by Masters-age basketballers, with age categories starting from 35 years for men and 30 years for women.

Organiser Neil Blanchfield of Great Events says getting the nod took three years work. He approached the City Council in 2000 for help with the bid. “Great Events is grateful to the Council for supporting our bid and helping to secure this exciting masters event for the city,” he says. “This further enhances Christchurch’s reputation for attracting and hosting large international sporting events.”