FIBA - Basketball without Borders breaks new ground in southeast Asia

GENEVA/NEW YORK/SINGAPORE (Basketball without Borders) - Basketball without Borders (BWB) is to make its inaugural visit to Southeast Asia when it will holds the BWB Asia camp in the city-state of Singapore from 28th June to 1st July, the National Basketball Association (NBA), International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Singapore Sports Council (SSC) announced on Thursday.

NBA All-Star Al Horford of the Dominican Republic, along with fellow countryman Francisco Garcia will be joined by Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer and Taj Gibson as the players acting as mentors and counselors for the four-day camp.

BWB is the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development programme that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness.

The top 50 players from 22 countries across Asia - as selected by FIBA and participating federations - will come together to train under NBA and FIBA players and coaches and compete against their peers. The camp will culminate with a BWB All-Star game on 1st July at the Singapore Sports School.

"It is a great pleasure to visit Singapore for the first time," said Patrick Bauman, Secretary General, FIBA and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "The interest in sports - particularly basketball - is growing rapidly over there and we are confident that through Basketball without Borders we can help further that growth, thereby allowing young basketball talents to maximise their potential both on and off the court."

"This is an exciting time for sports in Singapore because the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be held there in August. So the timing of the BWB camp, in the lead-up to that historic event, is ideal."

The camp will also feature an extensive community outreach programme. Efforts will focus on grassroots basketball development and health-related issues with a focus on youth fitness. In addition, there will be a product donation to local community-based organisations that will include school supplies, books, clothing and basketball equipment.

"The community outreach programme is invaluable in providing young people with all the necessary tools to have a positive impact among their peers and become role models in their communities," added Mr Baumann.

A Special Olympics clinic will be held at the Singapore American School on 28th June with athletes from across the region having a chance to show off their shooting, passing and dribbling skills in fun games.

Bob Gambardella, Chief of Sports Development Group and Singapore Sports Institute, Singapore Sports Council, believes the camp will be a great success.

"We are confident that the inaugural entry of BWB Asia in southeast Asia through Singapore will inspire not only A Sporting Singapore but also the next generation of athletes to raise the Singapore flag high," He said.

Nike, a BWB partner since 2002, will again outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel.

"Basketball without Borders teaches young basketball players the importance of hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship," said Lynn Merritt, Vice President of Global Basketball Sports Marketing for Nike.

"These are all crucial to the future success of these young campers both on and off the court and we are proud to be working with the NBA and FIBA to promote these values."

Basketball without Borders camp information (subject to change):

BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERS ASIA
Singapore, Singapore
28th June-1st July 2010
Singapore American School

Players
Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets
Corey Brewer - Minnesota Timberwolves
Francisco Garcia - Sacramento Kings
Taj Gibson - Chicago Bulls
Al Horford - Atlanta Hawks

Coaches
Gene Keady - Coaching Legend
Bob McAdoo - Miami Heat
Don Newman - San Antonio Spurs
Joe Wolf - Milwaukee Bucks
Gregg Farnam*** - Minnesota Timberwolves
Dean Cooper** - Minnesota Timberwolves
** Camp Director
*** Athletic Trainer

Marketing Partners
Nike, Singapore Sports Council, Spalding, Fullerton Hotel, 100 Plus

FIBA