FIBA Foundation proves that basketball goes beyond competition, as it can be used as a way to promote a positive impact in the world.
The two weeks in August and September wherein the Philippines hosted the 2023 FIBA World Cup were a whirlwind for Filipino basketball fans. Star players, both retired and current, from all over the world came to Manila and it was a regular ‘who’s who’ in the global basketball community all in one place. And while the main focus was none other than the FIBA World Cup matches, many other incredible and awe-inspiring events took place in the backdrop, which, like the tournament itself, pushed the sport forward in a myriad of ways. One such event was the Basketball For Good event hosted by the FIBA Foundation.
The FIBA Foundation is the social arm of the international governing body that utilizes the role of basketball in the world to create societal impact. This organization was founded in 2008, and since then, they have worked towards their goal of using basketball to support various causes such as gender equality, quality education, and good health.
While international basketball action was concentrated in the Philippines, the FIBA Foundation hosted a Basketball For Good Charity Gala and Auction in the Peninsula Manila Lobby on September 9, ahead of the World Cup finals, where the organization was able to raise a significant amount of funds to support their various projects.
Here are some of the highlights from the event.
Star-studded event
With all the NBA legends, executives, and personalities in town for the FIBA World Cup, many of them took time out of their schedule to attend FIBA Foundation’s Basketball For Good Charity Gala and Auction in Manila Peninsula.
Basketball giants Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, Luis Scola, and Sue Bird were among some of the biggest names who were at the Gala. It was an incredible opportunity to see them mingling with the other sporting executives also present at the Manila Peninsula, especially those in Philippine sports. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executives and other basketball bigwigs were also in attendance.
“Basketball has a unique ability to transcend borders, cultures, and backgrounds. It unites people in a way that a few other sports can while instilling values that extend far beyond the court and into our daily lives,” SBP President Al Panlilio said at the event.
Basketball for a cause
The Basketball For Good Charity Gala and Auction was not just a gathering of big names in the sport, of course. The figures in the star-studded lineup were at the event to help the FIBA Foundation raise funds for their projects, and one way they helped do this was by bidding on the items from the FIBA Museum that were up for grabs at the Auction.
Many iconic pieces of basketball memorabilia were laid out in the lobby of Manila Peninsula to encourage guests to bid for them in a silent auction. Among the FIBA Museum pieces, the Foundation brought original signed jerseys, original shoes, signed balls, and many other memorable items in basketball history to Manila for the event.
Among the many valuable pieces included in the collection, one of the stars of the evening was a pair of antique basketball shoes and an antique basketball, which was worth around $35,000, equivalent to around PHP 2,000,000.
After the silent auction concluded, the FIBA Foundation raised $320,308 in less than an hour, equivalent to approximately PHP 18,230,000.
With this large sum, it is safe to say that the FIBA Foundation’s Basketball For Good Charity Gala and Auction night was a huge success. The funds that were raised will go to a special cause, supporting the FIBA Foundation’s many projects that utilize basketball to create a positive impact for various communities around the world.
Indeed, this event has proven that basketball goes far beyond the four corners of the court.
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