NEW YORK – July 25, 2007 – The National Basketball Association (NBA), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Brazilian Basketball Federation (CBB) announced the 50 participants, including 12 from Brazil, selected for Basketball without Borders (BWB) Americas 2007. BWB is a basketball instructional camp that also features extensive community outreach and incorporates educational seminars addressing important social issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, led by UNICEF, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund.

The participants (ages 19 & under) from more than 17 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean were selected by FIBA and the NBA, in conjunction with participating basketball federations, based on their basketball skills, leadership abilities and dedication to the sport. Featuring Gatorade, Nike, Spalding and Xbox as BWB Marketing Partners, the will take place July 31-Aug.3 at Esporte Clube Pinheiros in São Paulo, Brazil. A BWB marketing partner since 2002, Nike will again outfit all of the camp participants and coaches. Brazilian natives Nenê of the Denver Nuggets, Leandro Barbosa of the Phoenix Suns, Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rafael Araujo of the Utah Jazz and Marcus Vinicius of the New Orleans Hornets will lead a group of NBA players and team personnel as camp coaches.

Since the inaugural camp in 2001, Basketball without Borders has expanded its reach to nine countries and territories on five continents. The program has featured more than 160 NBA players, coaches and team personnel from 30 teams serving as camp coaches and mentors for over 1,000 young athletes from 100 countries and territories. This year, more than 65 members of the NBA family will take part, including more than 30 current and former NBA coaches and team personnel.

“Once again the NBA and FIBA are offering athletes in our region the opportunity to live their dream and train alongside NBA players and coaches,” said FIBA Development Director Zoran Radović. “Youngsters will have the unique opportunity to work with and learn from NBA experts, further developing their skills and perfecting their team efforts.”

To promote friendship and diversity, the campers will divide into teams without regard to race and nationality. They will share living quarters with their new teammates and participate in daily seminars that promote education, leadership, character, healthy living and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. This year, participating countries include Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela and the Virgin Islands.

The camp will include extensive community outreach activities focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness, education and grassroots basketball development. One of the highlights of community outreach efforts for Basketball without Borders Americas is the development of an NBA Cares Learn & Play Space at Coliseu Favela. In partnership with Nike, CUFA (Central Unica das Favelas) and Rede Jovem (Youth Net) the NBA Cares Learn and Play Space will feature a newly refurbished basketball court for the community, as well as a new technology and study center furbished with 15 computers donated by Lenovo. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug.2, to inaugurate the new facility, will feature current and former NBA players and coaches.