As the official partner airline to the Estonian Basketball Association (EBA), Nordica is rewarding young basketballers with flights to tournaments abroad as part of a cooperation agreement with the EBA.

During the halftime break in the World Cup qualifier between Estonia and Israel on 25 February a draw was held in which the U18 girls and U16 boys were the lucky groups selected to be flown to a training camp or tournament this spring.

The exact teams that will enjoy the prize flights will become clear in spring in the Estonian G4S Youth League championship finals in the respective age groups. Up to 12 young basketballers and three chaperones will be flown direct to a destination in Europe by Nordica, paying only airport fees.

Sven Kukemelk, the Director of Business Development with Nordica, says the airline places a great deal of value on the aspirations of rising stars of Estonian sport. “We want to make our own contribution so that in the future we have basketballers who can compete at the international level,” he explained. “It’s important for every young athlete to be able to see how they measure up against players their own age from other countries. That’s why we’re happy to be working with the EBA and will do everything we can to help foster these talented players of the future.”

EBA secretary general Keio Kuhi: “The EBA’s really grateful, because everything that’s done to support our youth basketball system here in Estonia will be repaid in spades.”