| 03.02.2006 From Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Rome Phard Napoli playmaker Francesca Zara is thrilled to be taking part in the EuroLeague Women All Star Game.
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Francesca Zara is averaging 9.7 points and 5.2 assists per game for Phard
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| Zara, an Italy international, is a 1.77m guard who averaged almost 10 points per game for Phard as they advanced from the group stage to the eighth-finals of the EuroLeague.
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I can't wait to travel to Pecs for the All Star Game |
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Francesca Zara
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| "I found out yesterday and I am delighted," she said to PA Sport on Friday.
"I'm surprised, but delighted.
"I have been out of action for two weeks due to a foot injury but I will return to play in a week's time and I can't wait to travel to Pecs for the All Star Game.
"For me it's a great honour to be included in the squad and to be alongside the best players in Europe."
The All Star Game is being staged on March 8 to coincide with International Women's Day.
The women's game has taken off around the world over the past decade and the EuroLeague Women is incredibly popular.
As a result, FIBA Europe have launched the 'Year of Women's Basketball' project, which aims to raise the profile and increase participation in the women's game even further.
The project will run until EuroBasket Women 2007 in Italy, a tournament Zara should feature in.
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I think the initiative that FIBA Europe are launching is fantastic |
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Francesca Zara
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| And she clearly believes the programme will do the women's game the world of good.
"I think the initiative that FIBA Europe are launching is fantastic," she said. "It's never too late, and I'm very happy that finally the women's game is given some recognition.
"I think they have chosen a perfect date, March 8, International Women's Day, to start this initiative.
"I'm glad that this project will last 18 months and it's not simply one day that people will easily forget.
"One has to remember that we put the same effort, the same enthusiasm and face the same sacrifices as men do while we also play competitively at a similar level.
"However, we are still overshadowed by the men's game. I don't think it only applies to basketball but to other sports in general. Whatever can help raise the women's game I'm all up for it.
"I think there is plenty of room for improvement. The most important thing is to start from the basis, to have a solid youth system, to educate and attract youngsters to the game and help them follow their development.
"International youth competitions are very useful not only to motivate players but also to help them improve. But the Federations and the leagues also have to provide the same support to those players that are starting out."
Zara, whose Phard side are 1-0 down in their eighth-finals series against Lietuvos Telekomas, added: "With regards to Italy, I think this is something that we have struggled with, considering that we didn't have many young players so there has been a generation gap.
"As it is, we have been unable to play in the most prestigious competitions in recent years, something which I miss terribly.
"It is a disappointment for a nation like Italy not to be competing at the highest level.
"I think initiatives like this will help publicise the women's game, which can be just as impressive and exciting as the men's game." | 
