The Antwerp 2024 3x3 finals will be held at Groenplaats Antwerp again this year. Two years ago, I performed there during the World Cup halftime break. It was such a success that they asked me to provide the entertainment again this year. This means I'll be giving a freestyle basketball show during halftime and ensuring fun interaction with the crowd.
Upon arrival, I discovered a parking space had been reserved especially for me right in the city center—a one-minute walk away. It's wonderful when things are so well organized!
In the sunshine, I walk across the square toward the large cathedral, which I recognize from two years ago. Basketball is already being played on several courts, and there are activities for all ages. I'm helped to set up my gear, and I fill my new Special Balls thermoses. I do a final check with the MC, a relaxed guy who says he'll be following my interactions. Within an hour, I'm ready to go.
The game is over, and then the loudspeakers blare: "Would everyone please come to the main court for a special guest?" That's my cue. As always, I quickly check the court and realize there are huge bumps and dips near the free-throw line that I need to be aware of. The music starts, and I give it my all! During the show, I always try to interact with the audience. Sometimes they clap loudly, and sometimes they're so surprised they forget to clap. I actually consider the latter an even bigger compliment, because then they're completely absorbed in the show. Afterward, the cameraman shares his amazement with me and says, "What you're doing must be so hard!"
Then it's time for audience interaction. As much as I enjoy putting on a show, I perhaps enjoy these moments even more. I choose a boy and a girl, aged 12 and 13, from the audience. They spin the ball on their fingers while the audience cheers loudly. The girl wins the challenge and receives a small basketball. Then both kids get to throw a small basketball into the audience.
Then follows a reaction challenge between a man named Noël and a woman named Ghelen. The task is to catch the bright yellow reaction ball from Special Balls five times. The fun thing about the reaction balls is that they can bounce in all (unexpected) directions, which creates hilarious situations. The audience cheers them on. This challenge is also won by the woman. She gets to choose a prize: a thermos, a mini basketball, or a cap. She chooses the small ball, and the cap goes to Noël to thank him for his enthusiastic participation.
It was a fantastic day with plenty of variety and entertainment. The organizers are very pleased, and the host and cameraman are also very enthusiastic about the day. The thermos wasn't chosen, so I'll give it as a thank you to the cameraman who worked hard all day to capture the most beautiful footage. It was another wonderful day. I'm driving back with a sense of accomplishment from the 3x3 Antwerp 2024 finals!
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