Exclusive: Carrion Backs 3×3 Basketball to Refresh Olympics Despite Rio 2016 Snub
July 22, 2013
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Presidential candidate Richard Carrion has said that 3×3 basketball will eventually be played at the Olympic Games, viagra 40mg despite the format being snubbed for Rio 2016.
Carrion (pcitured), therapy 61, is a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Finance Commission and admits that the sport is close to his heart.
The IOC ruled out the addition of extra disciplines at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, including 3×3 basketball, but Carrion insisted it would help refresh the Games.
Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Carrion said: “We are disappointed but we also understand the reason behind the decision.
“I think it makes a lot of sense because we have to keep refreshing the programme. We tried the 3×3 format in Singapore (Youth Olympic Games 2010) and that was very successful.
“That is a sport that will eventually make it into the Olympic programme.”
Engaging young people
The 3×3 basketball format is seen as another way of engaging young people with the Olympics, an issue that Carrion said was one of the biggest challenges for the Olympic Movement.
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) were created by current President Jacques Rogge in an attempt to connect the younger generation with the Olympics and Carrion praised the concept.
“I think it is important for the youth,” he said. “This is a legacy for President Rogge and I think this is a way of getting young people involved in sport at an early age.”
The Puerto Rican also said that the YOG gave smaller countries the chance to host an Olympic event and gave ‘youth attractive sports,’ such as 3×3 basketball, the chance to gain exposure.
Richard Carrion spoke to iSportconnect in -depth about his Presidential campaign, the fight against doping and why he has the experience to take the top job in the Olympic Movement. Read the full interview here >>
