NBA to hold first-ever event in India

[Rohan495]

An unprecedented sporting extravaganza awaits the country's basketball enthusiasts as some of the game's star players from the United States and other international teams will touchdown in India for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) first ever event on July 3-6. Kyle Korver (Utah Jazz), Ronny Turiaf (L.A. Lakers), Pat Garrity (Orlando Magic) and Linton Johnson (Phoenix Sons) will be among the 53 players from 15 countries to participate in the competition. The event - Basketball without Borders Asia - will be held at the American Embassy School of New Delhi, it was announced on Tuesday. The NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) global basketball development and community outreach programme unites elite young basketball players to promote the sport and encourages positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness in local communities. "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 visiting India to help the growth in participation in basketball and popularity of the NBA. "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," said FIBA Secretary General and IOC member Patrick Baumann.