by PHOENIX – The Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) will tip off its 15th annual national basketball tournament, presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, NIKE N7, Seminole Tribe of Florida and Gila River Indian Community, on Sunday, July 9 at 6 p.m. at Cooper Sky Park in Maricopa, Ariz. The NABI tournament continues to be the largest premier basketball tournament showcasing Native American and indigenous youth in North America and the first to become certified by the NCAA.
This year, NABI has teamed up with the NBA to conduct a Jr. NBA youth camp, which will be run by NBA players, coaches and staff. The three-day Jr. NBA camp will feature up to 128 Native American 9th graders (64 boys and 64 girls) from tribes throughout North America and New Zealand learning directly from NBA players, coaches and league staff.
“The partnership with the NBA is a great opportunity to extend the mission of NABI,” said GinaMarie Scarpa, President & Co- founder of NABI. “Adding a skills oriented Jr. NBA camp to NABI week not only prepares our younger players for high school basketball but, also gets them ready to join NABI next summer and showcases what opportunities and doors basketball can open for them as they prepare for college and their future.”
This summer’s tournament will feature 128 high school age teams (from grades 10-12), comprised of athletes representing over 300 tribes from North America and New Zealand scheduled to compete in over 300 NABI games from July 10-15. Each team’s coach will invite one incoming freshman to travel with their team to participate in the Jr. NBA camp.
This year’s tournament will be filled with exciting elements that amplify the NABI Foundation’s mission. The tournament tips off on Sunday July 9, 6 p.m. at Cooper Sky Park in Maricopa, Ariz. with the Opening Ceremonies that will include a parade of teams, music, a NIKE N7 new release presentation and a fireworks display. The public is invited to come out and meet the teams. Other team elements include NABI College & Career Fair and special speaking appearance by Phoenix Suns Center Alan Williams.
Championship games for the tournament will take place Saturday, July 15 at Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. There is a $12.50 admission fee with all proceeds benefiting the NABI Foundation. Doors open at 10 a.m.
For more information about game schedules, locations, admission fees and how to donate and/or become a sponsor visit www.NABIFoundation.org.
Other NABI sponsors include: Iasis Healthcare, JP Business Solutions, BEARD, Tohono O’odham Nation, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, City of Maricopa, Arizona Catering and Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe.
NABI Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit charity.
“For the advancement of Native American Athletes”
CONTACT: GinaMarie Scarpa 480-446-7052 Ext. 103
When do you have teams sign up for NABI? I have friends who live in Maricopa who receive the information after the fact. My friend’s grandsons Micah & Weston would be happy to play in NABI! My stepson played at NABI in 2007 & 2008, he & my husband loved the travel from Oklahoma to Arizona.