The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Karim Family Foundation (KFF) have announced a multi-year partnership, naming KFF as the Official Community Partner of the inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational. This landmark event, set to take place from 25 to 29 June at the Kallang Alive Precinct in Singapore, marks the NBA’s first regional high-school basketball tournament, featuring boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region.
The collaboration was unveiled by NBA Asia’s Head of Marketing Communications, Sheila Rasu, and KFF Principal, Cindy Karim, during a launch event at Spectra Secondary School. The event included a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic for students, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through sport. As part of the partnership, KFF will host a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic on 28 June for local children, including those from SportCares, Sport Singapore’s philanthropic arm.
Cindy Karim expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to be the Official Community Partner of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational. My family and I have always believed in the power of sport to inspire ambition, build character and unite communities.”
The tournament will feature a five-day schedule, beginning with round-robin play and culminating in semi-finals and finals. Participants will also engage in skill development and cultural exchange activities. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programme aims to teach fundamental basketball skills and core values, whilst the Her Time to Play initiative focuses on increasing opportunities for girls and women in basketball.
Further details about the festival, including ticket information, will be announced later. For updates, visit nba.com/risingstarsinvitational.
“`