Yao to join NBA stars at Toronto camp

The National Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation have announced the top 53 boys and girls from 27 countries who will travel to Toronto, Canada, for the second annual Basketball Without Borders global camp.

The camp will be held from Feb 12-14 as part of NBA All-Star 2016, the first NBA All-Star Weekend to be held outside of the United States.

The teenaged campers, from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, will have the opportunity to learn from NBA and FIBA players and coaches, including NBA legend Yao Ming from China and former BWB campers Bruno Caboclo from Brazil, Denver Nuggets' power forward Danilo Gallinari, and the Milwaukee Bucks' Greivis Vasquez.

"The BWB global gamp is a great opportunity for these boys and girls to learn directly from players and coaches, many of whom have been involved with the BWB program for years," said Brooks Meek, NBA vice-president, International Basketball Operations.

"The BWB program continues to teach values like leadership, teamwork and respect that have applications on and off the court. I want to thank our partners FIBA, Nike and Fusionetics for helping make this camp possible."

World Association of Basketball Coaches president Patrick Hunt echoed that sentiment.

"This second Basketball Without Borders global camp continues a fantastic initiative of the NBA and FIBA to provide a unique opportunity to bring the youth of the basketball world together," Hunt.

"The players and coaches will work with the campers to enhance their skills, shape their character and teach values that lead to success in life and in our wonderful game."

Current NBA assistant coaches Chris Finch (Houston Rockets), Bryan Gates (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Jama Mahlalela and Nick Nurse (Toronto Raptors) will also serve as BWB Global coaches.

Players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and daily life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication.

One boy and one girl will be named BWB Global Camp MVPs at the conclusion of the three-day camp.

The campers will attend the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge, State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night and the 65th NBA All-Star Game at Air Canada Centre.

Nike, a BWB global partner since 2002, will outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel and footwear. Fusionetics, a system designed to help athletes move, perform and recover, all while reducing their risk of injury, will provide movement efficiency screens and specific performance data on speed, agility and strength.

chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 02/03/2016 page22)