JR. NBA Thailand returns for third consecutive year

The expanded program will reach more than 200 schools in Thailand with clinics in Bangkok and Udon Thani.  Foremost, one of Royal FrieslandCampina’s brands will again serve as the presenting partner of the Jr. NBA in Thailand.

Jr. NBA presented by Foremost will run through July 2016 and engage more than 6,000 boys and girls.  Participants are trained in the fundamentals of basketball and learn the importance of the Jr. NBA’s core values, including sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude, and respect.
 
According to the South East Asia Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS), three out of every five Thai children drink less than one glass of milk a day; when combined with low levels of physical activity, these children are twice as likely to become obese.  Foremost has partnered with the Jr. NBA in Thailand as part of its Drink.Move.BeStrong campaign to encourage an active lifestyle and a healthy diet among Thai children while highlighting milk’s role in a child’s growth and development, helping build muscle and keeping bones strong.

“We have always believed in the strength of collaborating with multiple stakeholders such as governments, schools, parents, and the Jr. NBA to encourage healthy lifestyle and diet in Thailand and across the region,” said Foremost Thailand Marketing Director Pimjan Vimuktanonda. 

“Following the success of the Jr. NBA presented by Foremost program in the last two years, we are expanding the outreach of the Drink.Move.BeStrong initiative to more than 19,000 children across Thailand this year to spread the goodness of dairy and promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet amongst Thai children.”

“We are thrilled that the Jr. NBA is returning to Thailand as we aim to positively impact the lives of children, parents, and coaches around the country,” said NBA Asia Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships Francesco Suarez.  “Together with Foremost, we are committed to providing Thai children with a safe and fun environment to be active while teaching them about the positive values of sport and the benefits of proper nutrition.”
 
The program will tip off with a coaches clinic and an open clinic for kids at the New International School of Bangkok (NIST) on June 4, followed by another round of clinics on June 5.  Additionally, a series of clinics will be conducted leading up to the Selection Camp July 9-10, where the top 40 boys and top 24 girls ages 10-14 will be chosen to participate in the Jr. NBA National Training Camp in Bangkok July 15-17.  The final day of the National Training Camp on July 17 will be conducted at the Future Park Rangsit mall in Bangkok.  This year, the Train the Trainers program will also be introduced to further local basketball development and impart knowledge and tools to all participating coaches.
 
The National Training Camp will once again be attended by a current or retired NBA player and feature an NBA Cares community outreach event.  The program will culminate with 10 boys and five girls being named 2016 Jr. NBA Thailand All-Stars.  These standout campers will embark on a unique overseas NBA experience together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia later in the year.                  
 
The program is free and open to boys and girls ages 5-14.  Players between the ages of 10-14 will be eligible for selection during the selection camp and National Training Camp.  Spalding will serve as a supporting partner and TrueVisions as the official broadcast partner of the Jr. NBA presented by Foremost.  The program is also conducted in association with the Embassy of the United States in Bangkok.
 
Registration for the coaches clinic, open clinics and selection camp is available now through the official event website at www.jrnba.asia/thailand.  Fans can follow the Jr. NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbathailand.  For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and “Friend” the NBA’s official account on LINE by adding @nba_global.