Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 26) — The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution sponsored by the Philippines that declares Dec. 21 as World Basketball Day.
The UNGA adopted the resolution by consensus during the plenary session on Friday at the UN headquarters in New York City.
It coincided with the commencement of the FIBA World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
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Aside from the Philippines, the resolution was drafted by Indonesia, Nicaragua, and Peru.
In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN, said basketball serves as a “unifying force where people from different backgrounds can come together, bond and communicate with each other, creating connections and breaking down barriers, and thereby contributing to peace.”
Lagdameo added that the sport contributes to global health goals and is a “powerful tool” to promote discipline, respect for rules, team spirit, inclusivity, and women empowerment.
“Our action today is to honor a sport that people love, to serve as a gift to everyone who views basketball as a pathway to greater heights and sporting excellence, and to further enhance its contribution to global peace and development,” he said.
The first basketball game was played on Dec. 21, 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in the United States. It was invented by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith.
