Royal Visit To Launch NBA & Royal Foundation Partnership
The Royal Foundation and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have announced a partnership between the Foundation’s United for Wildlife and Coach Core programmes and the league’s NBA Cares global social responsibility programme.
The partnership is set to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation, to develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and grow the game of basketball.
To launch the partnership the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend their first NBA game today (Monday 8th December) as the Brooklyn Nets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Centre.
NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder and two-time All-Star Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks have been named United for Wildlife Ambassadors.
Additionally, the NBA will work with the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme, an initiative that helps young people acquire the skills, experience and confidence to join the next generation of inspirational coaches. The NBA will support Coach Core in developing young, motivated and talented new basketball coaches through coaching experience and logistical support.
As part of the new deal, NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony will participate in a Coach Core graduation event on 14th January whilst in London for the NBA Global Games London 2015, where the New York Knicks will play the Milwaukee Bucks at the O2.
United for Wildlife Ambassadors also include David Beckham, Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton and NBA Legend Yao Ming.
