The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on Wednesday that it will open a basketball school at the resort of Costa Navarino, Greece this summer.
It will begin operation in May and will admit both young players (aged 6-18) and adults (18+) to develop their skills and technique.
This constitutes the first international agreement between the NBA and a tourist resort in Europe with the purpose of running a basketball academy, offering 5-day, 3-day and one-day events and courses for prospective students.
NBA International Basketball Operations staff will be onsite on Thursday, June 8 to celebrate the collaboration with a special event featuring on-court programming and appearances by current or former NBA players.
Participants will receive an NBA Basketball School-branded t-shirt and certificate and will have the chance to win a range of prizes.
NBA aims to develop basketball in Greece
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Costa Navarino as part of our continued commitment to develop basketball for young people, both in Greece and the wider area,” said the Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations for Europe and the Middle East Neal Meyer.
“Our goal through this program is to inspire and create more opportunities for players of all ages to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game, including teamwork, leadership and respect.”
The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, has been developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists.
“We are very glad to further develop our athletic initiatives and to partner with the leading basketball organization in the world,” said TEMES Managing Director Stefanos Theodorides.
TEMES is a leading investor, developer and operator in the high-end tourism and real estate sector in Greece. Costa Navarino, its flagship development, is one of the largest tourism investments in the Mediterranean.
“The prestigious NBA Basketball School program will enhance Costa Navarino’s position as a leading sports destination globally, renowned for top quality services and authentic experiences.
“This agreement creates a strong proposition for both young and adult players, combining a world-class coaching program with exceptional hospitality and leisure facilities in a unique year-round destination,” Theodorides added.
Costa Navarino is a breathtaking resort in Peloponnese, Greece
Costa Navarino is located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, in one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean.
The resort is currently home to three 5-star deluxe hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino and W Costa Navarino, two spa centres, Anazoe Spa and Away Spa, four signature golf courses, over 20 fine dining venues, a wide range of sports, outdoor and cultural activities, plus an array of 5-star services.
As of summer 2023, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino will offer guests an ultra-premium experience with 99 earth-sheltered villas and guesthouses designed to offer privacy and tranquillity along with majestic views of the historic bay of Navarino, giving guests the feeling of being immersed in nature.
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