Senator David Mark's Basketball championship will produce a team that will compete in the 2012/2013 DSTV league season, organisers have said.

Speaking with Trustsports on Thursday, the initiator of the competition tagged 'Mark D Ball', Hon. Igoche Mark said it was part of the re- branding strategies they were introducing.

"'Mark D Ball' is set to produce a league team to compete in the Nigerian DSTV league for 2012/2013 season."

He added that the team will be unveiled in this year's edition of the competition by the Senate President, David Mark.

"'Mark D Ball' is set to make history, to bring a major transformation in Nigerian basketball and beyond, to impact positively on youths and set Nigeria on a better platform to compete in forthcoming international sport events."

The championship

The 11th edition of the annual tournament is scheduled to begin in Otukpo, Benue State on 26th of December with the closing ceremony slated for 30th of the same month, 2012.

The championship is opened to Males & Females as well as Kids and adults, Hon. Mark said.

"One of the highlights of the tournament is the children's camp that run along side the game."

He said the children between 8-16 years will be taught the basics of the game with the team "catch them young".

"The primary goal of this tournament is to bring basketball of international standard to the grassroots, teaching children the game of basketball at an early stage and giving them the chance to pick a career in the game."

Winners will go home with trophies, medals, prize money and other attractive rewards, according to the organisers.