MKTG Sports + Entertainment partner with Basketball NSW to help get children on the court

Coinciding with the commencement of the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney, MKTG Sports + Entertainment Australia have partnered with Basketball New South Wales to launch a grant program aimed at growing youth involvement in sport.

Basketball NSW Foundation's Dream Hoops 1000, seeks to provide up to 1000 grants that give youngsters most in need the opportunity to play regardless of their financial circumstances. The program works with children and their families to overcome the financial barriers they face in accessing basketball by providing registration fees, games fees, uniforms and gear expenses.

MKTG is a sponsor of the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and together with Basketball NSW is encouraging fans to donate to the Dream Hoops 1000 to help raise funds to distribute grants to as many Children as possible to cover some costs associated with the local basketball program in their areas.

One of MKTG's core principles is to leverage its resources and networks to help those in need. With offices in Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada, the agency has committed to an initiative called ‘Play It Forward’, an internal campaign that empowers the team to make a meaningful impact by leveraging the agency's vast resources, networks and knowledge. Born in the early stages of the pandemic, this is the first time the Australia team could launch a ‘Play it Forward’ initiative outside of the virtual world.

To celebrate the launch of the initiative, MKTG are producing fundraising activations in and around the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney, and driving fundraising messages on the LED, Big Screen and around the stadiums.

MKTG will also reward the NSW U16 Girls State Champions the opportunity to experience a World Cup event in style. MKTG's creative team also developed a new logo and brand identity for Dream Hoops 1000.

Maria Nordstrom, Basketball NSW Chief Executive advised “we are so grateful to MKTG for helping us reinvigorate the Dream Hoops 1000 program. This program is so important as growing the game of basketball is one of our core missions and giving kids the opportunity to get a ball in their hands and a place to play, learn and grow is essential in ensuring not just basketball’s future in this country, but passionate, healthy young people across our state.”

Matt Connell Managing Director APAC - MKTG Australia added "our desire for Play It Forward is to inspire change and encourage others to join us by giving back and making a positive impact in their communities.

"We have been a partner of the Women's Basketball World Cup for the last 18 months and had a courtside seat to understand the power of the sport directly, especially on kids in terms of leadership development and fitness. We are honoured to be part of celebrating these incredible female players and for the ability to share this wonderful game with kids around NSW who may have otherwise not had the opportunity to try out a game so many of us love."

MKTG and BNSW are encouraging donations at asf.org.au/donate/dream-hoops-1000 to help raise funds to distribute grants to as many children as possible to cover some costs associated with the local basketball program in their areas.