Wanda Little Champions Program a difference-maker at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - Hundreds of children living in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 co-host nations of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia have benefited hugely from the Wanda Little Champions Program. 

FIBA and Global Partner Wanda have worked with the Local Organizing Committees (LOC) in each country to deliver an experience to children unlike any other. Giving youngsters an amazing opportunity to be on the same court as world-class players, the program is designed not only to give help to children in need but also to inspire the next generation of basketball stars.

In the Philippines, a total of 384 kids participated in the games in Manila at the incredible Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum. Most came from impoverished backgrounds, with the San Miguel Corporation and the PLDT-Smart Foundation engaged in selections since both organizations have partner orphanages and public schools that already help kids through existing outreach programs.

Some children who participated also came from the Uniformed Services of the Philippines and were children of the Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The employees of the LOC volunteers were also able to have their kids gain experience in the program. 

Meanwhile, Wanda brought two groups of kids from China to the Philippine capital who were selected through a nationwide basketball competition in collaboration with FIBA and also children of the Yao Foundation.

The response and feedback from the Wanda Little Champions Program in the Philippines capital was phenomenal, with exceptional feedback from participants, parents and support workers. 

In Japan. the youngsters of Okinawa had the opportunity to get involved, with children selected in two different ways. Okinawa Basketball Association selected elementary kids playing in a basketball team, while the initiative was also promoted on local TV program 'Catchy', and it took applications from kids living in the area.

There was also plenty to love in Indonesia across 10 days as 241 children took part in the Wanda Little Champions activities. The participants came from 12 basketball academies from around Jakarta. The takeaways were that it opened the eyes of the kids to what an international competition looks like, with parents and coaches seeing the children inspired and enthusiastic about practicing even harder to realize their basketball dreams. 

The Wanda Little Champions program was delivered under the wider FIBA Foundation umbrella of 'Basketball for Good', which also includes the Mascot Education Program. This initiative was also a huge success, with kids educated about recycling and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 across all three host nations, further adding to the social legacy of the tournament.

Dr Chenggen Hu, General Manager of Wanda Sports Group International Business Department, said: "Wanda is a proud sponsor of the Little Champions Program. We are honored to have been a part of this special project, which, we hope, has inspired the next generation of children who have participated in this amazing experience. We express our sincere gratitude to the Local Organizing Committees for their outstanding collaboration."

Frank Leenders, FIBA Media and Marketing Services Director General commented: "To be able to work with one of our Global Partners to provide such a valuable initiative like the Wanda Little Champions Program is so important as it has given hundreds of children an inspiring lifetime memory. Alongside the FIBA Basketball For Good Mascot Education Program, these projects have contributed hugely to building a positive FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 legacy."

FIBA