NEW YORK (USA) – In July, the FIBA Foundation was honored to be invited to the One World, One Game, One Goal celebration at the United Nations Headquarters.
The event celebrated the role of sport in supporting youth development, mental health, and well-being. Bringing together young leaders, organizations, and changemakers from around the world, the event explored how sport can help create healthier, more connected communities.
Through World YMCA and YMCA of the Greater New-York, the FIBA Foundation was invited to champion basketball at the event's Spotlight Sessions - a series of partner-led discussions showcasing real-world solutions at the intersection of sport and youth mental health.
Representing the FIBA Foundation were Head of the FIBA Foundation Theren Bullock Jr. and FIBA Foundation Youth Leader Layana de Souza. They were joined by YMCA Youth Leader Averi Brown and YMCA Youth and Family Senior Manager Ibrahim Diakite for a session entitled How Basketball Builds Belonging, Well-Being and Hope.
The discussion explored how Basketball For Good programs can strengthen youth well-being, support mental health, and empower young people to become leaders and changemakers within their communities. Through personal experiences and examples from the field, the speakers demonstrated how sport can provide far more than opportunities for physical activity.
“Since I started playing basketball, I always felt that I belong to that place and it became my refuge. Since then, it is my source of hope, confidence, and belonging,” expressed Layana.
The FIBA Foundation, World YMCA, and YMCA of the Greater New York raised awareness of their ongoing efforts to create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can thrive through sport. The discussion reinforced the growing recognition of sport as a powerful tool for connection, well-being, and positive social change.
“Through our programs, we are not only providing training and development. We were able to create a space that feels like a second home to them,” said Diakite.
The opportunity to contribute to conversations led by the United Nations Office of Youth Affairs further reinforced the FIBA Foundation’s commitment to using basketball as a force for good, helping young people across the world.
***
The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports and 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.