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NBA legend Dennis Rodman has teamed up with online poker and sports betting operator Paddy Power to bring an exclusive international basketball event to North Korea. Taking place in Pyongyang in January, 2014, the show is backed by DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.
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Details of the Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Invitational event have surfaced recently and it has been confirmed that Rodman’s exclusive basketball show takes place in Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in January, 2014. The event will be sponsored by Ireland-based poker, casino and sportsbook operator Paddy Power [4], as well as the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, a diehard fan of Rodman’s and North American basketball.
Rodman will handpick an All Star selection of players from the NBA to play against the North Korean national team. The two parties will meet for a second game in June next year in Europe. Rodman announced the details in a press conference in New York, saying:
“Kim loves basketball, and he’s interested in building trust and understanding through sport and cultural exchanges. I know in time Americans will see I'm just trying to help us all get along and see eye to eye through basketball, and with my friendship with Kim I know this will happen. I am certain that the Paddy Power Dennis Rodman Invitational will move things along in the right direction.”
Dr. Daniel Pinkston from the International Crisis Group non-governmental organization was also present at the conference as an expert on North East Asia issues. He added that “the last few years have been difficult for North Korea watchers seeking new policy prescriptions for dealing with Pyongyang. Thanks to the support of Paddy Power, Rodman's visit had opened a window of opportunity to bring change to North Korea.”
The cooperation with Paddy Power is hoped to secure sufficient funds and marketing for the unprecedented undertaking, which is, apparently, set to write diplomatic as well as sports history.