More than 450 students will compete in the new Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has bounced into the capital with the launch of the first Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League.
The partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will see 450 boys and girls from 30 schools across the emirate, aged 11 to 14, take part in a youth basketball league.
Beginning on Saturday 5 March and running through to the finals on Saturday 21 May, each school will represent a franchise from the NBA after the opening ceremony’s draft.
The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League is a part of the NBA’s global Jr. NBA programme which will feature boys and girls’ divisions of 20 and 10 teams respectively with the number of schools participating set to increase in the years to come.
.@dctabudhabi has partnered with NBA to launch first @jrnba league in the UAE to inspire and foster the next generation of talent for the sport. 450 boys and girls aged 11-14 will participate in NBA #inAbuDhabi, representing 30 schools from across the emirate. pic.twitter.com/bPbYsSP03V
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 27, 2022
Speaking on the launch of the league, DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said; It’s an honour for Abu Dhabi to host the first Jr. NBA League in the UAE, which will inspire boys and girls across our emirate to take part in this highly popular sport.
“As someone who grew up loving basketball, I know first-hand how amazing this sport is. It truly brings communities together, builds teamwork, encourages leadership skills and promotes healthier lifestyles, creating life-long memories along the way which is what Abu Dhabi is all about.
“We’re so excited to share our love of basketball with the rest of the world, while working together with the NBA to foster the next generation of sporting talent.”
NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera said; “It’s great to be back in Abu Dhabi for the launch of the inaugural Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, which marks an important milestone in our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi.
“Increasing youth participation for boys and girls is part of our mission to promote the values of teamwork, respect and inclusion while inspiring and connecting the next generation of players and fans through the game of basketball.”
The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League is a part of a groundbreaking multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi which will see the capital host the first-ever preseason NBA games in the Arabian Gulf in October 2022.
The partnership will also include a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT Clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.
Details on the aforementioned NBA games in Abu Dhabi will be announced at a later date, however, you can register your interest by visiting NBA Abu Dhabi.
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