JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Beyond the excitement of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, basketball became a powerful tool for social impact, as the tournament hosted a series of Basketball For Good activations designed to empower, inspire, and unite communities in the host city.
In alignment with the FIBA Foundation’s mission to increase the social impact and legacy of FIBA events, the FIBA Asia Cup joined the growing list of continental championships where Basketball For Good took center stage. These initiatives highlight how FIBA events extend their influence well beyond the competition, leaving behind a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity.
The official rest day of the competition transformed into a celebration of community, with two distinct Basketball For Good clinics organized by FIBA’s Regional Office in Asia and the Local Organizing Committee.
The first welcomed dozens of enthusiastic young girls eager to take part in basketball activities. The second, with the support of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, provided children and youth with intellectual disabilities an unforgettable opportunity to step onto the court and experience the unifying spirit of sport.
Both sessions were graced by FIBA Asia Cup Ambassadors Sam Daghlas and Ali Al Maghrabi, joined by several members of the Saudi National Team.
Girls’ Clinic: Building Leaders On and Off the Court
The clinic for girls showcased the growing momentum of women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia, reflecting FIBA’s strategic priority of “Women in Basketball.” Partnering with Jeddah United, a trailblazer in the development of female basketball in the Kingdom, the initiative proposed a series of fun games and teamwork-based drills. The young participants not only learned how to dribble, pass, and shoot, but also absorbed lessons in leadership, self-confidence, and empowerment.
The event was a vivid example of how basketball can inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees, and fans—helping to grow the sport while instilling values that go far beyond the court.
Special Olympics Clinic: A Celebration of Inclusion
The second clinic celebrated inclusion, bringing together children and youth with intellectual disabilities for an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and shared learning. Thanks to the support of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, participants were able to play alongside their heroes, receive encouragement, and build friendships in a safe and welcoming environment.
The clinic highlighted the importance of partnerships and synergies in creating sustainable impact, reinforcing the FIBA Foundation’s strong collaboration with Special Olympics.
Cheering On Their Role Models
As a special highlight, participants from both clinics were invited to watch a FIBA Asia Cup game. Cheering loudly from the stands, they witnessed their role models compete at the highest level, sparking dreams of their own futures in basketball.
A Lasting Legacy for Jeddah
By leveraging the platform of one of Asia’s premier basketball events, the FIBA Foundation and its partners ensured that the impact of the tournament extended well beyond the final buzzer—leaving behind stories of inspiration, friendship, and growth.
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About the FIBA Foundation
The FIBA Foundation, established in 2008, is the social and legacy arm of FIBA. It addresses the role of basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and cultural heritage while using the sport as a catalyst for positive change.