Dalma Ivanyi of MiZo-Pecs sees only positive in FIBA Europe's Year of Women's Basketball campaign, a cause that aims to raise the profile of the game in Europe and will be officially introduced at the EuroLeague Women's All-Star Game in Pecs, Hungary on March 8, 2006.

Ivanyi believes the project will do women's basketball the power of good and can only see the game continue to gain in popularity.

"It's important our game continues to get more and more recognition. People are beginning to watch women's basketball more because it's not just about dunking and doing all the flashy stuff.

"Women play a nicer game and we are more creative and inventive. I think people appreciate that more."

She added: "We have been doing a lot of things. We have a very hectic schedule and we are lucky because we have a winning team and a lot of supporters.

"But we try to go into high schools to talk to children and take practice sessions. It's nice to talk to people about the game for a second. They can relate to us and talk to us and they will remember it.

Ivanyi will have more opportunities to reach out to the comunity as all players will be called upon to carry out the initiatives and special programmes of the Year of Women's Basketball.

"Basketball is a really great sport. It's more than just learning how to shoot a ball, it's about the social aspect and playing in a team sport."