MANILA (Philippines) – One year after the inaugural FIBA Foundation Gala Dinner in the Philippines, one of the unique items auctioned has finally come to life – the refurbishment of a local community basketball court.
On the 9th of September 2023, one day before the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, the FIBA Foundation organized its inaugural Fundraising Gala Dinner with the aim of raising funds for its Basketball For Good projects.
On that night, a special auction item was offered to the attendees – the chance to fund the restoration of a local basketball court. NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman has set his sights on this unique opportunity.
"I have always been a strong believer in basketball serving as a driver for positive social change,” expressed Kestelman.
The Gawad Kalinga Covered Court, situated in Pasig City and home to approximately 2,000 families, was selected following a thorough consultation process with FIBA and the Philippine Basketball Federation, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which coordinated the project.
“This Basketball For Good project will give the local community access to a safe space where they can practice basketball, maintain their physical health and build strong relationships and memories,” said Al Panlilio, President of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
The inauguration of the court took place on December 18 and was attended by significant representatives such as the Mayor of Pasig and the Australian Ambassador who handed the ball over to the president of the homeowner’s association.
“The FIBA Foundation does an incredible job helping and empowering communities in need, and we at the NBL are so proud to be supporting their Basketball For Good initiatives, starting with the Kalinga Covered Court in the Philippines,” Kestelman added.
As part of its mission of promoting health and well-being, the FIBA Foundation collaborates with local partners worldwide to refurbish courts, creating safe spaces for youth to use Basketball For Good.
The FIBA Foundation hopes that the collaboration with the NBL and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will inspire similar efforts globally, using basketball to drive positive change.
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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.
FIBA