The U16 European Basketball Championship 2013 officially opened in Kyiv on Thursday.

"Today, Kyiv becomes the European capital of basketball for ten days. New stars of a European level will rise at this championship, and the U-16 Championship will be another step towards hosting the European Basketball Championship 2015 in Ukraine," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Vilkul said.

He noted more than 5,000 orphans, children deprived of parental care, children from low-income families and children with special needs will visit the championship free of charge.

"We are holding such social initiative together with UNICEF, the Basketball Federation of Ukraine, and the local organizing committee of Eurobasket 2015 and charitable organizations," Vilkul said.

The ceremony was attended by FIBA Europe Commissioner Reuven Virovnik, who thanked the people of Kyiv, who are hosting this event.

"Best of luck to all the competitors. I hope that all the games that will follow in the next ten days will be played in a fair and competitive manner and will be spectacular," Virovnik said.

The U16 European Basketball Championship 2013 will be held in Kyiv's Sports Palace from August 8 to August 18, 2013. It will bring together 16 European teams. A total of 72 matches will be played.