#USA #Dallas #Youth Sports #Luka Dončić Foundation #Basketball

Luka Dončić Launches Foundation for Youth Sports Development

On December 21, 2024, Luka Dončić, star guard of the Dallas Mavericks and captain of the Slovenian national basketball team, officially inaugurated the Luka Dončić Foundation. This initiative aims to revitalize youth sports globally, especially basketball, and provide children with joyful and enriching experiences through athletics.

Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Dončić recognizes the profound impact sports can have on young people's lives. The foundation is dedicated to ensuring that future generations enjoy the same opportunities he had, emphasizing the joy and transformative nature of sports.

In an effort to understand the current landscape of youth basketball, the foundation commissioned a comprehensive research study. This report, titled "Inside Youth Basketball", focuses on basketball's presence in the United States and Europe, particularly in the Balkan region. While the study highlights the strengths of these basketball systems, it also uncovers a troubling trend: children are leaving sports at an alarming rate. According to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, 70% of young athletes quit organized sports by the age of 13.

In response to these challenges, the Luka Dončić Foundation has introduced the "Total Hoops Approach". This strategic initiative outlines bold solutions aimed at reshaping youth basketball to prioritize accessibility, enjoyment, and the positive development of children. Dončić expressed his passion, stating, "Basketball has been my joy since day one. I want young people around the world to experience the same feelings that I do when I play. Sports should be a safe space for kids to learn, grow, laugh, and ultimately, have fun."

The findings of this groundbreaking study will be showcased in a launch event where special guests, including 750 children from the Dallas area, will witness the unveiling of the foundation at a Mavericks game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Children from diverse groups, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District, are invited, demonstrating Dončić's commitment to community engagement.

The foundation will be guided by a Youth Sports Leadership Council, featuring a diverse group of sports luminaries, including current and former professional athletes and esteemed coaches. This council will collaborate with the foundation to promote a holistic approach to youth sports training, advocate for the Total Hoops Approach, and identify pilot programs to test these innovative ideas.

Among the notable members of the council are:

• - Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard and CEO of Thirty Ink.
• - Pau Gasol, President of the Gasol Foundation.
• - Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty guard and founder of the SI20 Foundation.
• - Dirk Nowitzki, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Curry expressed his excitement, noting that he is honored to be part of this council aimed at bringing about positive change in youth sports. "Luka is a global advocate for children, and together, we will promote health and well-being through sports and play," he stated.

The Luka Dončić Foundation will also form partnerships with organizations such as FIBA, the NBA, and various youth development groups. By 2025 and beyond, they aim to build pilot programs worldwide based on the Total Hoops Approach. Dončić has pledged over $2.5 million to support these efforts, reflecting his commitment to fostering a thriving youth sports environment.

"This comprehensive report from the Luka Dončić Foundation offers invaluable insights into different basketball ecosystems worldwide," said Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General. "Luka's extraordinary commitment is an inspiring example for younger players."

In addition to cultivating future basketball talents, the foundation aims to unite communities through the shared passion for basketball. As Matej Erjavec from the Slovenian Basketball Federation stated, "Luka embodies the true spirit of basketball, giving back to the community that has supported his journey."

As the foundation takes shape, the world watches with anticipation how Dončić's vision will inspire the next generation of athletes and transform the landscape of youth sports internationally. Further details about the initiatives of the Luka Dončić Foundation and the release of the report can be found at lukadoncicfoundation.org or on Instagram @lukadoncicfoundation.