TORONTO, ON (June 9, 2017) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced today that 3x3 has officially been added to the Olympic basketball program starting with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 64 athletes (32 men and 32 women) will qualify to represent their respective countries.

"We're very excited that 3x3 basketball has been added to the Olympic Games for Tokyo 2020," said Michele O'Keefe, President & CEO of Canada Basketball. “3x3 has been one of the most popular recreational sports in the world and a key part of the growth of basketball in our country. We look forward to watching it prosper on sport's biggest world stage.”

O'Keefe is also on FIBA's Central Board as a key driver of the decision to add 3x3 to the Olympic program.  

The competition format, qualification system and the location of the 3x3 venue in Tokyo will be announced at a later stage.

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3x3 Basketball in Canada

Saskatoon natives Nolan Brudehl and Michael Linklater are currently in the top-10 of FIBA's World Individual Rankings.

3x3 Canada Quest is Canada Basketball's national 3x3 series, with stops in 7 Canadian cities throughout the summer. The series culminates at the Canada Quest Final in Edmonton, AB, where the top two teams will earn a berth to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour event in Saskatoon.

UPCOMING 3x3 CANADA QUEST EVENTS

<table border="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><p>June 17-18</p></td><td><p><u><a href="http://www.marauders.ca/3x3">Hamilton, ON</a></u></p><p><a href="http://www.marauders.ca/3x3">(McMaster University)</a></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>June 24-25</p></td><td><p><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/en/event/details/TMZ17FEFOMWSGZZZ">Halifax, NS</a></p><p><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/en/event/details/TMZ17FEFOMWSGZZZ">(Waterfront)</a></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>June 24-25</p></td><td><p><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/tournaments/details/TMZ17EMGDVBGZZZZ">Winnipeg, MB</a></p><p><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/tournaments/details/TMZ17EMGDVBGZZZZ">(Sport Manitoba Complex)</a></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>July 1-2</p></td><td><p><u><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/en/event/details/TMZ17CNGTQNLZZZZ">Richmond, BC</a></u></p><p><a href="http://www.3x3planet.com/en/event/details/TMZ17CNGTQNLZZZZ">(Richmond Oval)</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

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With over 250 million players worldwide, 3x3 is among the most played recreational sports in the world. Visit 3x3planet.com for more information.

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Ceci est disponible egalement en francais. Contactez Bailey Williams ci-dessous pour l'obtenir.  

For more information, contact:

Bailey Williams, bwilliams@basketball.ca

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