Chongqing - The MEBO-NBA Sacramento Kings International Youth Basketball Cultural Exchange Event officially commenced in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on July 7.

In late May during the Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2024 Chongqing, Sacramento, the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and MEBO Group signed a quadripartite agreement to launch a youth basketball project in Chongqing, further promoting cooperation and cultural exchange between China and the United States in the field of youth basketball.

On July 7th, the MEBO-NBA Sacramento Kings International Youth Basketball Cultural Exchange Event officially commenced at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. (Photo/The event organizer)

Vlade Divac, an NBA Hall of Famer, expressed his admiration for Chongqing's enthusiasm and vibrant environment. Impressed by the spacious and well-equipped facility, he promised to impart the spirit of perseverance to young players during the five-day training session, encouraging them to pursue their basketball dreams with dedication.

Vlade Divac, an NBA Hall of Famer. (Photo/The event organizer)

Building international friendships through basketball

"Chongqing, this dazzling city, with its high level of economic prosperity and rich basketball culture, has become the ideal place we carefully selected to host the youth basketball cultural exchange event," said Antonio Yung, the envoy of the Sacramento China Office.

He emphasized the role of basketball in fostering friendships and understanding between young athletes from both countries, aiming to extend exchanges beyond sports to various other fields. Antonio Yung also praised the Chongqing International Expo Center's professional training facilities and meticulous services.

Antonio Yung, the envoy of the Sacramento China Office. (Photo/The event organizer)

John Rinehart, President of Operations for the Sacramento Kings, hopes the event will instill values such as teamwork, fair competition, and persistence in the young participants. He envisions this platform leading to more collaborations between Sacramento and Chongqing, leveraging YUE Sports' advanced facilities and training systems to build a robust basketball talent pipeline in Chongqing.

"This exchange event is not just limited to competition on the basketball court; it is more like a seed planted in the hearts of the youth, which will hopefully take root and blossom into the dreams of basketball in the future," said John Rinehart.

John Rinehart, President of Operations for the Sacramento Kings. (Photo/The event organizer)

Promoting international youth basketball development

"In recent years, we have been committed to expanding our basketball exchange platform to China, and hosting this exchange event is a significant step in implementing this operational concept," said Maurice Brazelton, Vice President of Entertainment for the Sacramento Kings. 

He emphasized the importance of a professional and systematic training approach in nurturing young basketball talents. He noted that the exchange program, meticulously prepared with the Chongqing International Expo Center, aims to provide over 100 participants with professional guidance, helping them explore and develop their basketball potential.

Maurice Brazelton, Vice President of Entertainment for the Sacramento Kings. (Photo/The event organizer)

Song Xueli, Deputy General Manager of Chongqing Yuelai Investment Group and Chairman and General Manager of Chongqing International Expo Center Co Ltd, stated in his speech that sports is a universal language, and basketball is one of the most popular sports globally. This basketball exchange event promotes youth basketball development in Chongqing through practical basketball training, school exchanges, and teacher training programs. He hopes that the participants, including students, coaches, and guests, will use basketball as a medium to build a bridge for international basketball cultural exchange and cooperation.

Yang Zhibin, President of MEBO Group, highlighted the company's commitment to promoting Sino-American sports exchanges. For this event, they invited an excellent team of youth basketball coaches from the NBA's Sacramento Kings to bring the advanced NBA youth training system to the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. He hopes the children will enjoy a fun and rigorous basketball course and experience the charm of basketball.

Yang Zhibin, President of MEBO Group. (Photo/The event organizer)

Inspiring future basketball stars

Parents and participants alike expressed their excitement about the event. Mr. Gong, a parent, appreciated the opportunity for his child to experience high-level basketball training during the summer break. 

Li Mingzhe, a 14-year-old student and captain of his school team, aspires to become a CBA star and represent China in international competitions. He noted the differences in training styles between international and domestic coaches, particularly the emphasis on defense.

On July 7th, the MEBO-NBA Sacramento Kings International Youth Basketball Cultural Exchange Event officially commenced at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. (Photo/The event organizer)