#ICYMI: Battle Force competition celebrates art and basketball at Zoo Lake basketball courts
PARKVIEW – The Battle Force competition at Zoo Lake saw 16 teams competing to win R50 000.
The Nike Battle Force competition, hosted at the newly-painted Zoo Lake basketball courts, was a celebration of sport and art.
The Battle Force competition featured a basketball challenge between 16 teams, as well as performances by dancers and DJs.
The competition, which has taken place in cities across the world, including Manilla, Seoul and Melbourne, kicked off the finals on 2 December.
The challenge started off on 25 November with 32 teams of five players (three on the court and two substitutes) competing to make it through to the finals. Each team gave their all in their quest to win the R50 000 prize.
Following 10 rounds of intense 3 vs 3 matches, the Woodpeckers were named the ultimate Battle Force champions. The team kept their composure despite the tough competition and won the competition by four points.
Sipesihle Ntokozo Masego, the captain of the Woodpeckers team said, “We started this tournament wanting to win, but as the games went by last week, a lot of teams stepped up and doubts started creeping in. We played with confidence and we were able to pull it through to the final. It was a great tournament to be part of and we really enjoyed ourselves.”
Throughout the day, upcoming DJs, rappers and dancers also competed against each other to be named the winner of their respective battle.
“This tournament is what South African basketball needs right now,” said Masego. “Aside from the prize money, we are glad that the courts were fixed and painted. The new courts are amazing and it was pretty dope to play on them. A lot of kids want to come and play ball here now, and that’s what the sport needs more of in Johannesburg.”
The refurbished courts are part of Nike’s commitment to developing basketball in South Africa. The new courts, which were designed by local artists Faatimah Mohamed-Luke and Karabo Moletsane, aimed to represent the area. The now-unmistakable courts depict a crocodile, emerging from Zoo Lake and a cheetah, which appears to be crawling from the Johannesburg Zoo.
“Sport has always had the power to bring people together and as a brand that serves athletes, it is our duty to make sports more accessible in Johannesburg. One of the ways we are doing that is by creating inspiring places for athletes to compete,” said Alissa Jenkins, Nike South Africa’s marketing director.
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