MIDNIGHT MADNESS: CHALLENGING LONDON PLAYERS TO EARN THE CROWN

SCORE Press Release: Friday 1 August 2009

MIDNIGHT MADNESS: CHALLENGING LONDON PLAYERS TO EARN THE CROWN
Basketball Tournament at SCORE this weekend

Midnight Madness (MM) returns to SCORE this weekend in search of the UK’s best basketball talent.

This year, NBA superstar, LeBron James and Nike are asking all players at the U23 and U18 age group (males and females) to come down to the qualifying Midday Madness events for the chance to ‘Earn the Crown’ and ‘Show & Prove’ their commitment, desire, skill, dedication and unyielding passion for the game.

Nike, Midnight Madness’ major supporter for the last five years, has upped the stakes for this year’s event and is working with the MM team on developing the next generation of UK basketball superstars.

As with previous years the MM regional tour will take place around the country, this year under the guise of Midday Madness.

Winners from the finals earn themselves a place on the MM Travelling Team, which will fly out to America and Europe to compete in international tournaments against the best young players in the world.

The scouting staff will be looking for players who show ability across all fundamental parts of the game: shooting, rebounding, passing, ball handling, defense and game understanding, while also keeping an eye out for players with athletic potential.

Event creator and MM’s ‘Voice of Reason’ Nhamo Shire said:

“This is our 10th year anniversary and each year the competition gets tougher and tougher.

“Midnight Madness always draws out the most talented ballers from across the country, from the raw to the refined, and tests them mentally and physically all through the night to see if they have what it takes to be amongst the elite.

“With the best player on the planet coming to assess the top UK ballers himself, the stakes are at an all-time high! I know the players are hungry, but they are going to have to bring their ‘A’ game if they want to impress LeBron James and truly earn the crown.”

Pre-event registration is the only way to secure a place to play or be a spectator at any qualifier. Visit http://www.midnight-madness.com/ for further details.

For further information please contact SCORE on 020 8556 5973, visit the website at www.scorelondon.com or email neil.brown@locsp.org

Notes to Editors
Pre-event registration is the only way to secure a place to play at any qualifier
Minimum age limit to enter is 16, however all 16 & 17 year olds need to get their participation waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Participation waivers will be available online.
For U16’s Midday Madness events also provide coaching clinics which offer expert tuition and tips and drills for the next generation of ballers from 10am-12pm.
Entry is free for all players and spectators and pre-registration is essential to reserve your place.

Midnight Madness began in 1999 and is a non-profit organisation which specialises in bringing together the finest in high-flying, slam-dunking basketball action, urban music and upfront entertainment through a series of unique events motivated by positive community action and the spirit of summer fun and good times.

Links for more information:
How the tournament works: http://www.midnight-madness.com/#/the-tournament/4533776393
About Midnight Madness: http://www.midnight-madness.com/#/who-we-are/4533445153
Player Registration: http://www.midnight-madness.com/#/mdm-player-registration/4533942738