Luka Dončić Launches Foundation to Enhance Youth Sports Globally

Luka Dončić's Vision for Youth Sports

On December 21, 2024, Luka Dončić, the star guard for the Dallas Mavericks and captain of the Slovenian national team, will officially unveil the Luka Dončić Foundation. This initiative is designed to enhance youth sports globally, ensuring that children everywhere can experience the joy and transformative power of sports. The launch coincides with World Basketball Day, highlighting the foundation's commitment to nurturing the future of basketball and youth sports.

Having personally experienced the profound impact sports can have on childhood, Dončić is passionate about providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy sports, particularly basketball. As he states, "Basketball has been my joy since day one. I want kids worldwide to have the same chances I did to experience the joy this sport brings."

Before launching the foundation, an extensive study titled Inside Youth Basketball was conducted in the U.S. and Europe, particularly focusing on the Balkans, regions known for producing elite basketball players. The study recognizes strengths within these systems but also reveals alarming trends: creativity and joy are being stripped away from the game, and 70% of young athletes drop out of sports by age 13 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In response to this unfolding crisis, the foundation introduces the Total Hoops Approach, a comprehensive strategy aimed at making basketball enjoyable, accessible, and focused on positive child development. The report detailing these findings and the Total Hoops strategy will be available at lukadoncicfoundation.org on launch day.

As part of the foundation's activities, 750 children from the Dallas area will attend a Mavericks game against the Clippers on December 21, marking the foundation's public debut. These children represent various community groups, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Positive Coaching Alliance, ensuring that the foundation's mission resonates throughout the community. All attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the foundation and how they can get involved.

To ensure the foundation's success, a Youth Sports Leadership Council will be established, comprising notable figures in youth sports advocacy. The council will work alongside the foundation to push for holistic training approaches that cater to the developmental needs of young athletes. Among the members are NBA stars such as Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash, each bringing their unique insights and experiences to the table.

Stephen Curry expressed his excitement about being part of this initiative, stating, "I'm honored to be part of Luka's Youth Sports Leadership Council. He continues to have a lasting impact, from Dallas to Slovenia, in helping children and families in need through sports."

Luka's emphasis on the joy of basketball extends beyond just the game. He advocates for a culture where sports teach children valuable life lessons—laughter, growth, mistake-making, and safe fun should be at the forefront. This sentiment was echoed by other council members, who recognize the importance of using their platforms to foster positive change in youth sports.

Moving forward, the Luka Dončić Foundation will collaborate with key organizations such as FIBA, the NBA, and various educational and youth development programs to identify and implement pilot initiatives showcasing the Total Hoops Approach. Dončić is personally committing over $2.5 million to the foundation, ensuring that it can reach its ambitious goals.

In conclusion, the launch of the Luka Dončić Foundation represents a significant commitment to improving the landscape of youth sports. It strives not only to elevate the game of basketball but also to establish a nurturing environment for young athletes, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to thrive. For more information, visit lukadoncicfoundation.org or follow them on Instagram @lukadoncicfoundation.