Adidas and PeacePlayers International (PPI) teamed up to bring “Basketball is a Brotherhood” to life and help celebrate what everyone can bring to the game by putting three dozen New Orleans youth side-by-side with some of the world’s best athletes. Players from the adidas PeacePlayers New Orleans Life-skills/Athletic Program descended onto the adidas court within the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Saturday, February 16 to meet NBA All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups and Antawn Jamison.

“I had a lot of fun, and I wish I could stay here all day,” said Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. “The kids were awesome. Just being able to play basketball with the kids meant a lot to me, and I think they will never forget this. Personally, I know I will never forget this.”

The stars provided advice and guidance for both on- and off-court topics as they got to know the young ball players on a personal level. The NBA players recognized “Basketball is a Brotherhood” as the celebration of a group of players brought together to form a single, unstoppable unit. They discussed that the sole objective is to win through honoring the core values of the game. The ‘Brotherhood’ only happens when forces combine and egos die. Only through ‘Brotherhood’ can the impossible be achieved.

Adidas' “Basketball is a Brotherhood,” which was part of NBA All-Star Week in New Orleans, La., was well attended by community leaders and hundreds of fans as well as media from all over the world.

“We have been working closely with adidas for the past nine months to create a sustainable program in New Orleans. This event is a dream come true for the kids involved,” said Brendan Tuohey, PeacePlayers International Executive Director. “We hope that this experience will stay with them forever.”

About adidas PeacePlayers New Orleans Life-skills/Athletic Program
In June 2007, adidas committed to work with PeacePlayers International (PPI) to launch the first PPI United States operation in New Orleans, La. The partnership came about after both companies saw a glaring need for sporting opportunities and life-skills development post Katrina. PeacePlayers International is working with adidas and local partners to implement a multi-sport athletic program accompanied by an interactive life-skills curriculum for 10-16 year-old boys and girls throughout Greater New Orleans. The life skills program will focus on literacy, leadership, healthy living and conflict resolution. In addition, PPI will continue working with local partners to identify, train and employ local youth coaches to serve as instructors and leaders.

About adidas
adidas has been providing innovative products for the world’s best athletes for more than 50 years, from past NBA Legends to today’s superstars, such as Gilbert Arenas, Chauncey Billups, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady. On April 11, 2006 adidas and the National Basketball Association signed an 11-year global merchandising partnership making the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (D-League) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.