Israel hosts NBA and FIBA community outreach program

The 16th edition of Basketball without Borders Europe was held this week at the Wingate Institute in Netanya, marking the first time that Israel have hosted the National Basketball Association (NBA) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) global basketball development and community outreach program.

BWB Europe brings together 60 top male and female young athletes from across Europe to learn directly from NBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and to compete against the best younth players from across the continent. This summer’s edition was held in cooperation with the Israel Basketball Association.

Since its founding in 2001, BWB has reached more than 2,720 participants from 134 countries and territories, with 43 campers later drafted into the NBA. Thirteen former BWB Europe campers were on opening-night rosters for the 2016-17 season, including Golden State Warriors forward Omri Casspi of Israel, who was a camper in BWB Europe 2005.

Casspi, the only active NBA player from Israel, was involved in this year’s BWB program, which included a variety of NBA Cares and Jr. NBA clinics and workshops for Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze youth in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in partnership with local community organizations. BWB also dedicated a new “learn and play” center at Jerusalem’s International YMCA as part of the program.

“Basketball without Borders is an amazing program,” said Casspi. “It’s great to see the NBA and FIBA recognize Israel’s basketball development efforts by hosting the camp there for the first time. I look forward to working with Europe’s top male and female players and showing them the beauty and culture of my home country.

Brooks Meek, NBA Vice President, said: “Hosting BWB in Israel will allow the NBA and FIBA to use basketball and the values of the game, including teamwork, integrity and respect, to bring together youth and community organizations from a variety of backgrounds and foster cultural understanding.”

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met at his residence on August 10 with NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum, NBA club owners, chairmen, board members, and NBA Hall of Famers David Robinson and Wayne Embry.

“Sport has the great power to break down barriers between people from different communities. In Israel, we are working to build this understanding,” Rivlin said.