Basketball ace Scola keen to open academy in Dubai
DUBAI: On his first visit to Dubai, Argentina basketball legend Luis Scola has been let awestruck by its glitzy landmarks and stunning skyline, and is planning to come back soon with his family for a vacation. He is also exploring investment avenues and seems keen on the idea of opening a basketball academy in Dubai.
Winner of a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and a bronze in Beijing four years later, as well as two silver medals at the World Cup in 2002 and 2019, Scola is in Dubai for a charity dinner hosted by Argentina football legend Javier Zanetti, who is now Vice President of Italian football giants Inter Milan.
Trying to make the most of his short first trip to Dubai, Scola has been driving around the city, admiring its many landmarks, and visited Dubai Sports Council (DSC) as well, where he was received by Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Council.
“This is the first time I am in Dubai,” said Scola, 41, who was accompanied by Naser Al Tamimi, CEO of REPS UAE, on his trip to the Council.
“The reason why I come is tonight there is a charity dinner organised by Fundacion PUPI, Javier Zaneti’s charity foundation. He is a very good friend of mine and, of course, an Argentine and Inter Milan football legend. He has invited me for the dinner and that is the reason why I am here.
“I have always wanted to come to Dubai, but since I am going to be here for only a day and a half this time, I am already planning my next trip, probably with my family.”
One of the few athletes in sports history to have appeared in five Olympic Games as well as five World championships, Scola added: “I have been here a short time, but I have been impressed. I have been talking to the people a litle bit about the history of the place, and they were telling me that 20 years ago there was nothing here, and I was like, ‘ that’s impossible’.
“All these buildings, I am really impressed by their quality, and also the setup, the style, the design. I think it is something unbelievable, and honestly I cannot wait to see all this in the night - it must be so beautiful with all these buildings and the lighting. So I am looking forward to tonight and I am looking forward to coming back soon with my family.”