by InTrieste
On the morning of October 23, in the historic chambers of the Trieste City Council, Sports Councillor Elisa Lodi stood before a gathering of press and officials to present the highly anticipated third edition of the No Borders Euro Cup 2024, an international basketball tournament for boys under 16. This year’s event promises to be a landmark moment for youth sports, not only for the city of Trieste but for basketball fans across Europe.
In her remarks, Councillor Lodi, joined by Alma Žniderčič, president of the local club Jadran, and the tournament’s visionary creator and sports director Boris Vitez, emphasized the event’s ability to unite cultures through competition. Organized by the USD-ASZ Jadran club, the tournament will take place from October 24-27, with games hosted at the Opicina Sports Complex and PalaTrieste. The participating teams hail from some of Europe’s most prestigious basketball institutions, representing six nations, including Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Hungary, and Slovenia.
“The participation of these elite clubs confirms that this is a tournament that works, a tournament where youth categories can compete, allowing local players to confront a variety of playing styles and teams from across the continent,” Lodi said. “It will be a celebration of sport, but also a time for socializing and forging new friendships.”
The star-studded lineup includes Real Madrid from Spain, Bayern Munich from Germany, EA7 Emporio Armani Milanfrom Italy, Bahcesehir College Sports Club Istanbul from Turkey, Ratgeber Akademia Pecs from Hungary, Orange 1 International Bassano from Italy, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana from Slovenia, and local favorites Jadran Stars Triestefrom Italy.
Alma Žniderčič, president of USD-ASZ Jadran, took the opportunity to reflect on the growing reputation of the tournament, which began just three years ago but has rapidly gained recognition as a premier event for youth basketball. “This will be an important opportunity for the young players to watch and compete against some of the most promising talent in Europe,” she said, underscoring the tournament’s international appeal.
The teams will face off in a series of qualifying matches at the Opicina Sports Complex, with the finals, including the hotly contested third-place and championship games, taking place at PalaTrieste. Tickets are priced at €10, with free admission for those under 14 and reduced pricing for under 19s. For those unable to attend in person, the games will be broadcast by the local station TeleAntenna, and notably, Spanish broadcaster TeleCantera will air the games internationally, ensuring that basketball fans around the globe can follow the action.
The No Borders Euro Cup encapsulates the growing importance of international youth sports as a vehicle for cultural exchange and sportsmanship, with Trieste now firmly established as a hub for fostering young talent. As the tournament begins, the city, perched on the edge of the Adriatic, once again finds itself at the crossroads of European sports and cultural diplomacy.
