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Mini-Basketball England has appointed the unique Molten 12-panel basketball as its official ball, an agreement which firmly establishes the Molten G-series ball as the sport’s official ball from 5 year olds right through to the Great Britain national basketball teams.

The four year sponsorship package, which commences on October 1, 2008, sees Molten providing a mix of both funds and balls to Mini-Basketball England. In addition to supplying the organisation with a range mini-basketballs (sizes 3 & 5) for its work in developing the sport in over 1,000 primary schools across England, Molten is also to provide Mini-Basketball England with a substantial cash injection which will help with the launch of the organisation’s Take Six initiative - a new version of mini-basketball designed especially for primary schools.

Ken Charles, general secretary of Mini-Basketball England comments:
“We are delighted to appoint Molten as the official ball of Mini-Basketball England. The Molten G-series mini-basketball is a fantastic ball, especially for young people with its excellent grip, rebound speed and shooting accuracy. The Molten G-Series was the official ball for the Beijing Olympics and it is also to be the official ball for the London Olympics in 2012. It makes sense, therefore, that our future basketball players use this ball in practising their skills and playing games. We are additionally pleased with this agreement, as Molten’s cash support for our Take Six Mini-Basketball programme means that, after several years of planning, we can finally get this ambitious initiative off the ground.”

Bob Hope, chairman, Molten Sports adds:
“Molten is very pleased indeed to have been selected as the official ball for Mini-Basketball England. As an avid fan of basketball, it is heartening to know that many of our young children will now have an opportunity to experience the exciting game of basketball through Mini-Basketball’s Take Six programme.

“Our unique 12-panel basketball is now the official ball for Mini-Basketball England, England School’s Basketball Association, the British Basketball League, Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association and the Great Britain International Teams, enabling 5 year olds upwards in the UK to play with what is undoubtedly, the best basketball in the world.”
The Molten G-series is a 12-panel ball (as opposed to the traditional, 8-panel ball). It was launched in 2004 and immediately approved by FIBA (International Basketball Federation). The additional seams, afforded by the extra panels, give players increased fingertip control and hence more accurate shooting and passing. Complex problems such as rebound speed have also been addressed in this unique design and the two-colour tones, of orange with cream panels which stretch around the ball, enhance visibility when playing.