Braunstone Leisure Centre is set to play centre stage to a specially arranged basketball match in honour of one of Leicester’s most popular sports stars, Karl Brown, former player and now coach of Leicester Riders. A testimonial game and coaching activities are all set to take place on Saturday 7th May.

Already confirmed are a galaxy of top class basketball stars, both past and present, who have already agreed to support the event including Billy Singleton, Steve Bucknall, Ronnie & Steady Baker, Clive Allen, Nigel Lloyd, and Flab Flournoy.

Spokesperson for the event Emily Clarke said ‘The main reason for the event is to give an insight into remarkable achievements of Karl Brown’s life and times in basketball to date as a player, coach and especially as a mentor and role model to the hundreds of young people Karl has come in to contact with across the city’s diverse community’

Karl Brown said ‘I take immense pride in investing time in the community and sharing my vast basketball knowledge and wealth of experience with young children and adults alike. My sporting journey has taken me across the globe and back home and I hope this story also inspires other young people to work hard in their chosen fields of interest whether it be through sport or any other professional career. There’s no substitute for hard work, never giving up and giving your best both on and off the court’.

The Leicester born basketball player, and now coach, has been one of the most successful English basketball players ever, having appeared in 10 major domestic finals. Internationally, Karl has represented England over 50 times and played for Great Britain on 27 occasions.

Paul Edwards, Head of Sport Services at Leicester City Council said 'We recognise the huge amount of work Karl Brown has given to the people of Leicester. His time as a player and coach for the Leicester Riders has been exemplary. As importantly the work Karl has undertaken with the Warriors Basketball Club with young people in the City has paid huge rewards. We are very honoured to be involved in Karl's testimonial and wish him every success'.

For ticket details and further information please contact Emily Clarke 07968 377 553 , e-mail: emjclarke@aol.com