[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          COMMENDING THE EFFORTS OF BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERS

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I commend the efforts of Basketball 
without Borders, an initiative that promotes friendship, understanding, 
and healthy living for young people around the world.
  Today, the National Basketball Association, NBA, and the 
International Basketball Federation, FIBA, announced that Basketball 
without Borders will hold four instructional camps in the coming year. 
For the first time, Basketball without Borders will be staged on four 
continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It will feature 
professional basketball players from diverse backgrounds, including 
China's Yao Ming, Argentina's Manu Ginobili, Germany's Dirk Nowitzki, 
and Congo's Dikembe Mutombo.
  The Basketball without Borders initiative is more than an opportunity 
for children to meet their favorite players and learn basketball 
skills. It is also a chance for them to learn important lessons about 
the world in which they live.
  In addition to basketball instruction, the children who participate 
in Basketball without Borders will learn about HIV/AIDS prevention, the 
importance of education, and ways to lead a healthier life. They will 
also have the opportunity to meet children whose ethnicities, 
backgrounds, and cultures are different from their own.
  I also applaud the NBA and FIBA for the charitable efforts that are 
part of the Basketball without Borders initiative. As part of this 
year's program, the NBA will be conducting several auctions on its 
website, with the proceeds funding community improvement efforts 
worldwide, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
  As public figures, professional athletes can send a strong message by 
serving as role models both on and off the playing field. It is my hope 
that the players who are taking part in Basketball without Borders will 
inspire basketball fans around the world to take a closer look at ways 
they can extend a hand of friendship to diverse communities around the 
globe. I salute the athletes who are participating in this worthy 
venture, as well as all those whose hard work has made this initiative 
possible.

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