Basketball tournament to be held in memory of Jewish player who died from cancer

A basketball tournament will be held in honour of a Jewish player who passed away due to cancer, with funds raised going to charities fighting the illness and knife crime.

Held in memory of George Goldstone, who died in July 2016 aged just 32, the third annual GG3x3 tournament will see 26 teams and over 100 players competing on Sunday at the University of East London.

Funds raised at the event, which is free to attend, will go to charities ‘Children with Cancer UK’ and the ‘Carry A Basketball Not A Blade’ programme, run by the Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA).

George passed away a year after getting married and was an avid follower of the basketball. His keen interest led Martin Dyan, creator of the tournament and a close friend who played basketball with George from the age of 12, to set up the league in his memory.

Martin said: “George and I shared a love of basketball and it’s an honour to be putting on this event each year in his memory.

“I’m proud and humbled by all the support from the UK and abroad. We’re helping children fight cancer, as well as positively tackling the very serious issue of knife-crime, which is prevalent in London at the moment. The GG3x3 is about positivity and uniting communities. Everyone should come and enjoy it, together we’ll ball for life.”

Now in its third year, the GG3x3 has so far raised £12,000 for charities since 2017, and has also gained international and national recognition, with links to British Basketball League (BBL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

On Saturday, professional player Lamar Roberts from the London Lions, will run a clinic for under-16s, while NBA team Miami Heat have sent autographed player jerseys to auction .

GG3x3 is being supported by NBA Europe, who are provide clothing for the children’s clinic, items to raffle and prizes for the winning teams.

Stephen Timms, Labour MP for East Ham, said: “Charity events like the GG3x3 bring the community together with feelings of positivity and a combined sense of unity through action. Everyone who is involved can feel proud that they are helping to raise money for fantastic causes.  I look forward to being there, watching the basketball tournament and supporting all the players who ‘ball for life’.”