#Youth Sports #Dallas Mavericks #Luka Dončić Foundation

Luka Dončić Launches the Luka Dončić Foundation

In a significant move for youth athletics, Luka Dončić, the renowned guard for the Dallas Mavericks and the captain of the Slovenian national team, officially announced the formation of the Luka Dončić Foundation on December 21, coinciding with the International Day of Basketball. The mission of the foundation is to enrich the lives of children worldwide through positive experiences in sports. This initiative stems from Dončić's personal journey, recognizing the vital role that sports play in childhood development and joy.

The foundation's primary focus is to tackle the alarming trend that sees around 70% of young athletes withdrawing from sports by the age of 13, as highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Dončić, basketball has always been a passion that brings joy. He wants future generations to experience the same enthusiasm and transformative power that sports have provided him.

Leading up to the foundation's establishment, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the state of youth basketball both in the United States and in Europe, especially the Balkans, where many basketball stars have emerged. The findings indicated that while both regions possess strong basketball roots, increasing numbers of young players are losing the joy and creativity associated with the game. To combat this decline, the foundation has introduced the