FIMBA XI Maxi Basketball European Championship, Malaga
Opening ceremony
The Championship is well underway here in Malaga, with a great atmosphere at the official Opening Ceremony held at Malaga FC Football club where all teams paraded the stadium and were welcomed with speeches from the FIMBA delegates.
There is a real sense of pride and community, participating in such a momentous sporting event, meeting players from around the world and team GB Herons over 55’s are proud to have been given such a fantastic opportunity.
Match 1 – GB v Uruguay
Our first match v Uruguay – it was a game we should have won. We were off to a positive start and the game was a competitive one. At the halfway mark we were down by 10 but managed to pull this back to within a point. Nerves were starting to show and probably some tired legs and Uruguay pulled away in the last quarter.
Score: L54-65
![Photo of team GB ready for their match against Uruguay](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Team-GB.jpg)
![Photo of GB and Uruguay teams](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Match-1-GB-v-Uruguay.jpg)
![Photos of match play GB v Uruguay](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GB-v-Uruguay-play.jpg)
Match 2 – GB v Italy
Our second game v Italy – this was always going to be a tough one. A huge loss but a great experience up against Gold player standard and despite the score line we played some great basketball.
Score: L22-80
GB v Italy - watch >>![Photo of team GB ready for their match against Italy](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Match-2-GB-team.jpg)
![Photo of GB and Italy teams](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Match-2-GB-v-Italy.jpg)
![Photo of match play GB v Italy](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GB-v-Italy-play.jpg)
Spirits remain high in team camp GB despite the tough start to the tournament so up and onwards to the next one!
Until then I am taking in the Malaga sights from a roof top bus tour reflecting a little on match play and some improvements to be made.
Such a privilege and great fun to be here at these European Championships, seeing so many wonderful countries enjoying the experience.
Mark
Málaga 2022
![Mark on an open top bus taking in the sights of Malaga](/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mark-sight-seeing.jpg)