DANZHAI (China) - On August 2, 2019, FIBA brought the FIBA Basketball World Cup trophy to Danzhai, a county in China's Guizhou Province. International basketball star Stephon Marbury also came to show his support. The trophy was on display for a day at Danzhai Wanda Village.

This event marked the launch of “Little Champion” a programme developed by FIBA and Global Partner Wanda to inspire next generation of kids by giving them the unique opportunity to step into the court the FIBA Basketball World Cup and join their idols before every game. Wanda will recruit more than 1,000 kids all around China.

The trophy was unveiled jointly by 36 kids awarded as little champions, Mr. Burton Shipley, President of FIBA Oceania and Chairman of the Coordination Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, Mr. Xu Minfeng, Vice President of Chinese Basketball Association and Stephon Marbury, former NBA basketball star. Officials of Danzhai county, leaders of Wanda Group and other shortlisted little champions also attended the unveiling ceremony.

It's a rare opportunity for Danzhai to host the World Cup trophy. The county was a national-level poverty-stricken county. In 2014, Wanda Group began its poverty alleviation work in Danzhai. Through a package of long-term, medium-term and short-term measures led by tourism to drive comprehensive development in Danzhai, Wanda has managed to help the county climb out of poverty two years ahead of schedule.

This year, the FIBA Basketball World Cup is going to be held in China for the first time. Thanks to FIBA's support, the Danzhai trophy exhibition and the FIBA Basketball World Cup this year will cast a spotlight on Danzhai and let it be remembered by even more people.

Danzhai Wanda Village prepared a grand reception for the trophy. During the event, dozens of Danzhai’s intangible cultural heritage masters escorted the trophy at the village. Miao priests gave their blessings to the Trophy Tour. Eight branches of the Miao in festival costumes led a parade that was joined by FIBA officials and other distinguished guests. 

The appearance of Stephon Marbury excited basketball fans at the scene as well as millions watching the event online. This was Marbury's first visit to Danzhai. By being part of the trophy exhibition, he is attracting nationwide attention to the upcoming FIBA World Cup as well as  to Danzhai's poverty alleviation program.

Mr. Xu Minfeng, Vice President of Chinese Basketball Association, said that the FIBA Basketball World Cup Trophy Tour will certainly ignite people's passion for the upcoming games. The little champions selected by Wanda Group, as well as countless teenagers who love basketball, are the future of Chinese basketball. Programs like the Little Champions will encourage more youngsters in China to play basketball, fall in love with sports and help China become a healthier nation.

Mr. Burton Shipley, Chairman of the Coordination Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, said that Wanda Group is a strong and close partner of FIBA and that FIBA attaches great importance to the partnership with Wanda. Mr. Shipley thinks Danzhai Wanda Village is a perfect demonstration of Wanda's efforts to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities. And the Wanda Little Champions selection showed how sports and basketball could help develop local communities.

FIBA