The London Sports Festival has introduced a new basketball event in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral. Organised by the Central London Alliance, the annual series offers Londoners and visitors chances to compete and connect through sport year-round.
3x3 basketball in Paternoster Square
Following pickleball in February and Padel table tennis in April, the festival's latest offering is a 3x3 basketball court in Paternoster Square. The iconic central London location has been transformed, with as many as 300 spectators and participants attending on Day 2, July 23.
The court will remain open for two more weeks, hosting various challenges, a tournament, junior coaching, and a wheelchair basketball session. The event is delivered by the Central London Alliance in partnership with Cheapside Business Alliance, Blue Orchid Hospitality, and Book It Please, with support from London 3x3 and the City of London Corporation. It highlights how sport can unite businesses in the capital while animating one of the City's most iconic public spaces.
Community response and coaching
Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of the Central London Alliance, said: “The response to Central London Alliance’s 3×3 basketball activation has been outstanding and demonstrates exactly what the London Sports Festival is all about – transforming public spaces into places where people can come together, be active and experience sport in the heart of our capital.”
He added: “From children picking up a basketball for the very first time to businesses competing with colleagues and elite coaches inspiring the next generation, this programme reflects the power of sport to bring communities together.” He noted the free coaching offered to many participants over the programme. Full details are available on the London Sports Festival website.
