FIBA Europe is pleased to introduce Esther Wender as the Project Manager of the Year of Women’s Basketball.

Wender, a former player at both the club and national level, will head the project which was created by FIBA Europe to bring focus and recognition on women’s basketball in order to raise profile, recruit more players and increase female participation in all areas such as coaching, refereeing and administration.

Along with her credentials as a player, Wender has worked in public relations for over 10 years with stints at various international organisations and the Netherlands Basketball Federation.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Year of Women’s Basketball,” said Wender.

“I strongly believe in the project and what it is trying to achieve. I look forward to the challenges of the position and to promoting women’s basketball.”

The Year of Women’s Basketball will officially be launched at the EuroLeague Women’s All Star Day in Pecs, Hungary on March 8, 2006 (International Women’s Day).

“Esther has an excellent understanding of women’s basketball and she has proven her leadership skills, both as a former basketball player and currently as an administrator,” said FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin.

“The Year of Women’s Basketball is a special cause. I am confident that with Esther leading and mobilising the basketball community towards the aims of the project, the Year of Women’s Basketball will be a tremendous success.”