Basketball, the global sport that was given its United Nations Day, has the power to change the world, with 3.3 billion fans worldwide.
In this “Basketball For Change” series with the theme of the power of basketball to change the world, global organizations and players driving social change through basketball will be introduced, includng their aspirtion and activities. Like the basketball game, articles will go with the four segments of the following perspectives:
1st Quarter: Background and Overview of Activities
2nd Quarter: Key Features of Activities and Programs
3rd Quarter: Stories of Social Change through Basketball
4th Quarter: Future Goals and Inspiration by the Power of Basketball
World Basketball Day, which made basketball the first team sport that was designated its United Nations day, and highlights basketball, a sport with over 3.3 billion fans worldwide, showcasing its “power to change the world.”
For our first shot, we feature FIBA Foundation, the social and legacy arm of FIBA. In this article, we dive into the key points shared by Theren (TJ) Bullock Jr., Senior Manager at the FIBA Foundation, during his keynote speech at the World Basketball Day awareness webinar, hosted by Next Big Pivot last November.
We spoke with TJ, who has had a deep passion for basketball and social impact since childhood, and share his insights into the FIBA Foundation’s activities and the power of basketball.
“Educate, Power, Inspire, Support”
1st Quarter: Overview of Activities
FIBA foundation is responsible for social and legacy activities associated with FIBA. Their efforts are centered around two main pillars: “Basketball For Good” and “Basketball Heritage” , with the goal of using the power of basketball to initiate positive change. These projects aim to promote basketball’s value and its cultural heritage.
Mr. Bullock stated, “What we try to do on a global scale which can come down to four words as you see beneath here; Educate, Power, Inspire Support. All connecting to using the power basketball to initiate positive change to create social impacts around the world.” He further explained that this social side of basketball is what they like to call “Basketball for Good.”
Launched in 2016, the “Basketball for Good” project has made a significant impact, providing the opportunities for the brighter future filled with hope and joy. Last year alone, it reached more than 9,5 million people across 158 countries.
The Keywords are “3.3 billion” and “collaboration with the national federation“
2nd Quarter: Key Features of the Organization’s Initiatives
The standout feature of the FIBA Foundation is the immense impact of its activities, which are carried out on a global scale.
Surprisingly, there are “3.3 billion” basketball fans worldwide, a number that underscores the potential of basketball as a “common language” from all corners of the globe. You can feel the diversity beyond continents or nationalities and our sports basketball has the power to connect people.
“Our sport is a lifestyle, it’s culture, and it’s fashion. It can connect to so many people around the world. It has a cool factor that makes people want to be associated with it. Even if they don’t play the game themselves, people wear Michael Jordan shoes, not to play basketball, but just to feel cool to walk outside to go anywhere in the world,” Mr. Bullock shared.
“As a FIBA Foundation, we feel extremely lucky to be associated to such an incredible and powerful sports and that is why we are honored to have that responsibility of pushing basketball for good globally,” he added.
However, this remarkable scale isn’t solely a trait of FIBA foundation.
The “Basketball for Good” initiatives are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to create a lasting social impact. A key to their success is their collaboration with national basketball federations. While basketball remains the consistent component, the “good” components are societal elements that are relevant to the country or region where the activity is taking place. This customization allows the FIBA Foundations to effectively tackle diverse social challenges and maximize their impact through close partnerships with national basketball federations.
Additionally, the FIBA Foundation is actively engaged in external fundraising and receiving donations to further expand the reach of its “Basketball for Good” initiatives. One notable effort is the Gala Auction Dinner. Leveraging its unique connections with various communities and players, the Foundation hosted the first dinner in Manila on the eve of the 2023 World Cup Final. Items auctioned included a signed jersey by Luka Dončić and signed shoes from Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, and Sue Bird, showcasing the power of basketball to bring people together for a greater cause.
The gala dinner was truly inspiring!
It provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the various initiatives and advancements by the FIBA Foundation to more effectively utilize the “power of basketball.”
So far, we have covered the activities, unique features, and vision of the FIBA Foundation.
In the second half, we will dive deeper into real-world examples to spotlight the “power of basketball” in action. Be sure to check it out!
