GENEVA, Switzerland/NEW YORK, USA/4th June 2009 – Dwight Howard, Yao Ming and Joachim Noah will headline Basketball without Borders 2009 it was announced today by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Basketball without Borders (BWB) is FIBA’s and the NBA’s global basketball development program that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness. The 2009 camps will be held in Beijing (China), Mexico City (Mexico) and Johannesburg (South Africa).
“Basketball without Borders is a unique program in that it emphasizes more than basketball skills in top-young talent” said FIBA Development Director Zoran Radovic. “Campers benefit from both the highest level of basketball instruction and they are also equipped with the tools to make a positive impact among their peers and become role-models in their communities.”
“Basketball without Borders helps us to grow the game of basketball and bring attention to important social issues that affect communities around the world,” said Kathleen Behrens, NBA Executive Vice President, Social Responsibility and Player Programs. “We know that by teaching the values of the game - teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, and healthy living our current and former players and coaches can also make a lasting impact on communities in need.”
Two international stars will bring the camp to their home countries this summer. Yao Ming, from the Chinese National Team and the Houston Rockets, will lead Basketball without Borders Asia in Beijing, China, from 30th July to 2nd August. Basketball without Borders Americas will feature Mexican star and New Jersey Nets forward Eduardo Nájera in Mexico City, Mexico, from 6th to 9th August. Then, for the seventh consecutive year, Basketball without Borders Africa will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2nd to 6th September starring Beijing 2008 Olympic Gold Medallists Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard.
The top youth players 19 and under from Asia, Latin America and Africa, as selected by FIBA, the NBA and participating federations will train under FIBA/NBA players and coaches and compete against their peers. Campers will be divided into teams independent of race, religion or nationality to promote friendship and diversity. FIBA/NBA players will partner with local community groups to lead daily life-skills sessions focusing on the importance of education, leadership, character development, health and wellness. Through NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility initiative, players and coaches will participate in extensive community outreach programs with local non-profit organizations including the creation of places for children and families to live, learn or play.
For more information on this press release please contact: Marcos Beltrá, FIBA Press Director: +41-22-545 00 00, beltra@fiba.comYour complete source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.
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