TIMGAD (Algeria) - The FIBA Foundation's "Propose a Project" initiative continues to empower communities worldwide through basketball. A great example is the Algeria Hoops For Green" project organized by local basketball club Wihda Sportif Batna.
This Basketball For Good initiative, led by Club President and 3x3 national coordinator Ziad Abderrehmane, is a community-based project aiming to use basketball as a tool to initiate a positive social change, raise environmental awareness, and foster social inclusion. The event was held in Timgad, Algeria, on October 11–12, 2024.
The heart of the project was a large-scale 3x3 basketball tournament, which drew teams from various regions of Algeria. The competition not only encouraged sportsmanship but also fostered social inclusion by bringing together over 140 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the U18 national basketball team and children from the Wihda association.
Beyond the court, the project placed a strong emphasis on environmental awareness. In collaboration with local environmental associations, participants and volunteers engaged in a tree-planting campaign aimed at promoting sustainability. The initiative resonated deeply with the community, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility while providing a hands-on opportunity to make a tangible impact.
Alongside these efforts, a series of workshops and awareness activities educated attendees on key environmental conservation topics.
The impact of the initiative extended far beyond the two-day event. Inspired by the project’s success, organizers and community members took their commitment to sustainability a step further. Shortly after the event, they launched a street-cleaning campaign that rapidly grew into Algeria’s largest environmental movement.
This unexpected yet welcome outcome highlighted the project’s power to inspire long-term, community-driven change, proving that basketball can be a powerful vehicle for social and environmental progress.
One inspiring story from the event is that of Aicha, a 10-year-old participant from the Wihda Association. Having only played basketball casually, Aicha had never taken part in such a large event. Initially unsure of what to expect, she quickly became engaged, especially in the tree-planting initiative where she felt a newfound connection to her community and a stronger sense of responsibility toward the environment. Witnessing the U18 National Team's dedication and success further fueled her determination to pursue basketball more seriously.
The FIBA Foundation provided financial support to cover key expenses, including logistics, promotional materials, and event operations. Additionally, the Foundation supplied 50 Molten 3x3 basketballs, which were integral to the tournament's success.
The FIBA Foundation Propose a Project platform is open for applications until the 28th of February 2025.
Click here to submit your project.
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The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage. The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate, and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world. FIBA