GB Maxiballers at the World Championships 2019

WE NEED YOU!  To help get Great Britain’s Women Masters Basketballers to the World Championships! Two female basketball teams will be representing Great Britain at the 15th FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championships, and will travel to the city of Espoo, Helsinki on 25 July 2019 to compete against the best players in their age category (40+ and 50+).  My name is Sadie Mason, and I have the honour of captaining Team GB 50+ Women. Our GB teams will be the first ever British teams to take part in this World Masters Basketball Championship, and will be flying the nation's flag with pride, but unfortunately there is no basketball governing body funding available to help support us.  The global event held every two years by FIMBA (Federation of International Masters Basketball) expects to attract over 3,500 active basketball participants aged 35+ upwards, with the oldest age competition category being 80+.  The competition will see former national and international players rolling back the years to play in their national colours again.  Each British team consists of a delegation of 12 players, two coaches, team manager and a physio. Our team draws on masters age players living at both ends of the British Isles, from Cornwall to Dundee, and includes former national and international basketball players, some of whom have featured in Commonwealth and Olympic basketball games in their time.  Both teams are currently self-financed, such is our drive, passion and commitment for the game and to represent Great Britain. The estimated total cost for the two teams to participate is £30,000. Each team member has already committed to covering the cost of their own flights and accommodation at the World Championships, as well as court hire for training sessions to date. This will raise a total of £22,000, and coaches, team managers and physios are giving their time free of charge.  However,  each player has different financial circumstances and we want to be inclusive, so we are seeking further help to raise funds for items to ensure no player is disadvantaged or excluded, and can be supported equally at the World Championships. We are seeking to bridge the £8,000 gap with the support of our masters basketball fraternity and wider basketball fans!  We are also happy to partner with businesses seeking to promote their brand on this world stage. Your contribution will help Team GB's female maxiballers to reach their goal and contribute to securing the following items: £5 – will supply a 2x roll of Kinesiology or zinc oxide standard tape (we will require 30 rolls, various sizes) £10 – will provide a players’ GB warm up top (we need 24 of these) £20 – will provide a 4.7L Mini-ice Box (one per team) £25 – will provide a set of GB kit for one player (each player needs a home and away kit) £30 – will provide one GB team tracksuit (one per person) £35 – will provide one hour’s court hire for pre-tournament training (4 sessions planned) £40 – will provide a team members 10-day venue transfer pass £50 – will provide one Elite Lite medical bag (one per team) Any donation will be welcome - £, € or $ - it doesn't matter! It will help our two Great Britain teams represent masters basketball to the best of their ability, and with your support they will continue to promote lifelong participation in basketball and in sport. Let’s Go Team GB!