Chongqing - From July 7 to 11, the MEBO—NBA Sacramento Kings Youth Basketball Cultural Exchange Event and MEBO Group's Public Welfare Event for Caring for Hearing-impaired Teenagers were held at the YUE Sports Chongqing International Expo Center Youth Sports Center. This event was a collaborative effort between the MEBO Group, the NBA Sacramento Kings, and the City of Sacramento China Office.

The event attracted numerous hearing-impaired youths from Chongqing and its neighboring areas. The Sacramento Kings coaching team provided hands-on guidance throughout the event, imparting basketball skills and tactical knowledge to the participants. Zhang Kun, Director of MEBO Group Public Welfare Development Center, remarked, "MEBO Group has consistently upheld the values of respecting life and enhancing its quality. Our collaboration with the Kings aims to promote youth basketball programs, fostering growth through an international perspective and diverse experiences."

John Rinehart, President of Business Operations for the Sacramento Kings, highlighted, "The NBA is a truly global platform, and we intend to leverage this to unite people of all ages from around the world through basketball. Basketball serves as a powerful unifier, strengthening connections between various regions." He further noted that the event afforded hearing-impaired youths the chance to train with NBA Junior Kings coaches and set the stage for future events through sustained cooperation with MEBO Group.

Participants, including hearing-impaired youth and Sacramento Kings representatives, attentively watch the events unfold during the event. (Photo/Rao Dan)

The partnership between MEBO Group and the Sacramento Kings, initiated a few years ago and facilitated by the City of Sacramento China Office, was further elaborated on by Antonio Yung, the envoy of the Sacramento China Office. He stated, "Basketball transcends being merely a sport; it is a bridge linking different countries and cultures. Enhanced cultural exchanges are crucial for mutual understanding in the current global climate. This event underscores the strong dedication of the City of Sacramento and the State of California to fostering ties with Chongqing and China."

During the event, Vlade Divac, an NBA player in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, made a personal appearance. The organizers presented commemorative gifts, signed by Divac, to eight hearing-impaired youths from Qicong School in Chongqing. Divac inspired the youths by saying, "If you work hard, believe in yourself, and love what you do, everything is possible."

Hearing-impaired youth compete in a thrilling basketball game, with NBA Kings youth coaches joining the teams during the event in Chongqing. (Photo/Rao Dan)

Maurice Brazelton, Vice President of the Entertainment Department and youth coach for the Sacramento Kings, expressed his aspirations that the youth would embrace their roles as team members in basketball and find joy in the process.

Wu Yong, a student from Qicong School in Chongqing, a basketball enthusiast, and a hearing-impaired youth, was elated after professional basketball training. He shared that the basketball stars' rigorous training and fighting spirit are a constant source of inspiration for him. Participating in this event allowed him not only to interact with his favorite players and enhance his skills but also to build physical and mental resilience. Additionally, he felt the profound care and support of society, which bolstered his confidence and courage.

Hearing-impaired youth proudly receive autographed basketballs from NBA legend Vlade Divac during the event. (Photo/Rao Dan)

Antonio Yung remarked, "The benefits of the event extend beyond Sacramento and Chongqing. This event epitomizes cultural exchange between California and Chongqing, between China and the USA." Vlade Divac said, "Basketball is a bridge, bringing together and uniting people from different countries."

(Rao Dan, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)