By IANS,
New Delhi : Kyle Korver (Utah Jazz), Ronny Turiaf (L.A. Lakers), Pat Garrity (Orlando Magic) and Linton Johnson (Phoenix Sons) are all familiar names to Indian basketball buffs who follow the American National Basketball Association (NBA) league live on sports channels.
Theses stars will be among the 53 players from 15 countries playing in the NBA held in India for the first time next month as part of a global basketball development and community outreach programme to promote the sport as well as encourage positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness in local communities.
The event, billed as Basketball without Borders Asia, will be held at the American Embassy School here from July 3-6, 2008 under the auspices of the NBA, Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) and the Basketball Federation of India.
“The NBA and its players are afforded a unique opportunity to use basketball as a forum and stress the values of our game to influence social change,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Each Basketball without Borders camp unites a diverse group of people to initiate a global dialogue on important issues such as healthy living, education and HIV/AIDS awareness.”
Joining the NBA players as camp coaches are NBA Legend Sam Perkins, NBA coach Don Casey and Don Newman of the San Antonio Spurs. Gregg Farnam of the Minnesota Timberwolves will take part as the camp’s athletic trainer. Houston Rockets assistant coach Dean Cooper will oversee as camp director for the fourth consecutive year. NBA great Dominique Wilkins will also be here to promote the event and also to enhance the popularity of the NBA.
“FIBA is very satisfied with its long-term collaboration with the NBA. Basketball without Borders is an invaluable educational, social and health-awareness tool for all youth, where they also showcase their skills and learn from some of the best coaches and players,” said FIBA Secretary-General and IOC member Patrick Baumann. “We are pleased to be going to India for the first time, where Basketball without Borders will be able to further a growing interest in basketball.”
BFI secretary-general Harish Sharma sees the event as a great opportunity to popularise the sport in the country.
Basketball without Borders has featured over 250 current and former NBA players, coaches and team personnel from 30 different teams who have served as camp coaches and mentors for over 1200 young athletes from more than 100 countries and territories on five continents. Last year, the event took place in Shanghai, Sao Paulo, Paris and Johannesburg.