Foundation to Release Comprehensive “Inside Youth Basketball” Report and “Total Basketball Approach” to Revitalize Basketball and Youth Sports Globally
Youth Sports Leadership Council led by Dončić brings leaders together to transform youth sports landscape
dallasDecember 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dallas Mavericks guard, Slovenia men’s national team captain and philanthropist Luka Dončić will officially launch World Basketball Day on Saturday, December 21 Luka Dončić Foundation . The foundation will focus on ensuring youth sports become a joyful, enriching force in the lives of children around the world.
Dončić knows first-hand the profound impact youth sports can have on childhood and is passionate about ensuring future generations have the same opportunity to experience the joy and transformative power of sport.
Ahead of launch, the Foundation commissioned a comprehensive study of youth basketball in the United States and Europe, specifically the Balkans, two places that produce some of the best basketball players in the world. While the study identified the unique strengths of the two regions’ basketball systems, it also found that joy, creativity and exploration were being squeezed out of the game. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Statistics show that young athletes are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate, with 70% quitting by the age of 13. In response to this crisis, the Luka Dončić Foundation is launching the “Total Hoops Approach,” a bold roadmap of solutions designed to transform youth basketball by ensuring it is accessible, fun and focused on positive child development.
Doncic Said: “Basketball has been the joy of my life since day one. I still have the same feelings today that I had when I was young. When I have fun on the court, it feels like the ball is smiling at me and I wish the world young people all have the same opportunity to experience this joy. Sports should be a safe place for children to learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes and ultimately have fun – that’s why I launched this foundation and brought together. An incredible team to guide our work.”
Full results of the study and details of the “Total Hoops Approach” will be provided in the “Inside Youth Basketball” report, which will be available on December 21 lukadoncicfoundation.org Officially released on. Drawing on interviews with basketball innovators, in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and parents, questionnaire responses, and first-hand experiences at basketball camps and training centers, this report provides a look at the current state of youth basketball in the U.S. and Europe, including practices worth replicating. Advantages and challenges worth addressing. This report is just one fundamental input that guides the Foundation’s vision of promoting a positive youth sports culture globally.
Dončić will launch his foundation on Dec. 21 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas during World Basketball Day, when the Mavericks take on the Clippers. As guests of Dončić, 750 children from the Dallas area will compete, representing the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and Greater Tarrant County, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Girl Scouts Northeast Texas, Tackle Tomorrow, Positive Coaching Alliance and Dallas Independent School District and other groups. All fans in attendance will be introduced to the foundation and invited to join its mission.
The foundation’s work will be informed by the Youth Sports Leadership Council, a collection of prominent figures and advocates in sports including current and former professional athletes, respected coaches and others seeking to positively transform youth sports around the world. people. These individuals will work with the foundation to promote a holistic approach to youth sports training, advocate for a “total basketball approach” throughout the basketball community and beyond, and take the lead in identifying pilot projects to implement and test these ideas.
Initial Youth Sports Leadership Council members include:
- Stephen Curry Guards, Golden State Warriors, CEO, Thirty Ink
- Bill Duffy WME senior partner, basketball executive
- Pau Gasol President of Gasol Foundation and Gasol16 Ventures, member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes Committee, Class of 23 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Sabrina Ionescu Defender, New York Freeman, Founder of SI20 Foundation
- Igor Kokoshkov Assistant Coach of the Atlanta Hawks, Former Head Coach of the Slovenia Men’s National Team
- Steve Nash founder of the Steve Nash Foundation, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 18
- Dirk Nowitzki 23rd class entrepreneur, philanthropist and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer
- Tracy McGrady entrepreneur, philanthropist, NFL minority owner and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 17
Curry Said: “I am honored to serve as a member of Luka’s Youth Sports Leadership Council as we set out to pursue positive change in youth sports. LUKA continues to make a lasting impact locally and globally, helping children in need from Dallas to Slovenia. and families. Similar to my Eat. Learn. Play Foundation, we share values to help improve children’s health and well-being through sport and play. Together we will help create opportunities for children to enjoy the outdoors, use their imaginations and engage in youth sports. place.”
DuffySaid: “Luka’s love for basketball is unparalleled. I have been fortunate to watch him grow in the game and over the years he has maintained a vision and desire to help the game grow and change people, as this report reflects Without his vision and dreams, the basketball world is a better place.”
Gasol Said: “As professional athletes, we have a unique platform to make a meaningful impact on society. I greatly value Luka’s commitment to using his position to inspire young athletes to embrace sport as a source of personal growth and for generations to come. A powerful tool for empowerment. I look forward to sharing my experiences, exchanging ideas, and contributing to this important mission with such an exceptional group of leaders.”
Ionescu Said: “I’m excited to join the Youth Sports Leadership Council alongside some incredible athletes and sports advocates. Luka and I share a love for basketball and helping grow the game. I’m excited to partner with my SI20 Fund Will share some of my lessons learned and contribute to his foundation so we can work together to leave the game better than we found it for future generations.”
Kokoškov Said: “Luka Dončić ‘began his journey as the ‘Mozart’ of basketball – a super talented kid from Slovenia – but today he is one of the best basketball players in the world. He has used his platform to become an NBA superstar , the idea of sharing his experience and knowledge with future coaches and players is incredible. Personally, I am honored to be a part of this program and I believe the Youth Sports Leadership Council will have an impact on the development of basketball as a whole and around the world. A huge impact on young players.”
Nash Said: “I’m excited about what Luka is doing and happy to help. Investing resources is vital to ensuring children maximize their potential in the sport. Basketball is a beautiful game when played with true intent and purpose It can be powerful and connecting when it comes to teaching. I can’t wait to get to work and work with a great team of child advocates. ”
NowitzkiSaid: “I am honored that Luka has asked me to be a part of the Youth Sports Leadership Council. This is important not only to him but to all of us who love basketball. Our sport must continue to grow and be accessible to all kids Participate. Basketball is the ultimate team game and I am excited to be a part of this team as we continue to move the game forward for generations to come.”
McGrady Said: “I am honored to join Luka Dončić’s Youth Council and contribute to creating a better youth sport for the next generation. Sport has played a key role in my life and taught me the values of discipline, teamwork and resilience. It goes well beyond the game. By working with Luka and the Board of Governors, I hope to help create opportunities to empower young athletes and ensure they have the resources, guidance and support they need to succeed on and off the court. The next generation can be inspired and elevated to reach their full potential.”
In 2025 and beyond, the Luka Dončić Foundation will work with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), NBA, Slovenian Basketball Federation, Jordan Brand, Gatorade and other entities in the fields of sports, youth development, health and education to identify their Pilot projects implementing and testing the “Total Hoops Approach” around the world. Dončić will personally donate more than $2.5 million。
FIBA Secretary General Andreas ZagklisSaid: “We are delighted to see this comprehensive report from the Luka Dončić Foundation, which provides an international perspective on the various basketball ecosystems. Luka’s extraordinary commitment to representing his country is a great example for young players to follow. This “This valuable research complements FIBA’s mission to make basketball more popular, and we look forward to working together to use this information to help inspire and educate the next generation on and off the court.”
NBA executive vice president and director of basketball operations Joe Dumars Said: “The Luka Dončić Foundation will create transformative opportunities for young basketball players around the world, bringing the dedication and passion he brings to the unique challenges they face. Luka is committed to promoting the global growth of the game and will not only elevate The next generation of talent will also bring communities and cultures together through the unifying power of basketball.”
President of the Slovenian Basketball Federation Matej Erjavec Said: “Luka Dončić is more than a generational talent and captain of his national team, he is a true ambassador for Slovenia around the world. Through his foundation, he is spreading positivity on and off the court, embodying the core values of basketball and giving back A community that supports his unique journey and we are extremely proud to support him in these endeavors.”
Susan Mulders, Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, Jordan BrandSaid: “Luka epitomizes the Jumpman logo. Not only does he exude greatness on the basketball court, but he also has a strong desire to impact change and bring hope and possibility to anyone trying to achieve their dreams. We are extremely proud of Luka, and excited to continue growing basketball and basketball culture around the world.”
Jeff Kearney, Global Head of Sports Marketing at GatoradeSaid: “Being a Gatorade athlete means more than just being the best in sports. We believe every athlete should have the opportunity to play sports and our partners share these values. We are proud to support Luka and his With the launch of the Foundation, they strive to get the next generation into the game and can’t wait to see the undeniable impact it will have on young athletes around the world.”
To learn more about the launch of the Luka Dončić Foundation, the Inside Youth Basketball report and the Total Hoops Approach, or to join the Foundation, visit lukadoncicfoundation.org and on Instagram @ lukadoncicfoundation for the latest information.
