An American Sport Every four years the world's best athletes meet They go for the gold at the Summer Olympics Runners dash to the finish line Divers splash into the water Boxers duck and jab But one of the most exciting sports is basketball This game was invented in the United States but it is now a worldwide sport
Lebron James dunks a ball in the 2012 Olympic gold medal game
Dr Naismith wanted people to be active and have fun Why not toss a ball into a basket
Basketball was first played in 1891 Dr James Naismith wanted a new sport He needed something kids could play in the winter It was too cold to play outside So he tied baskets up at each end of a gym The kids scored points by tossing a ball into the baskets Soon kids all over the world were shooting baskets
