Encouraging girls to see net gains
New NBA initiative supports the development of female students in less developed regions
Since 2004, NBA Cares has hosted more than a hundred community events, which have included participation by more than 300 NBA athletes. Thirteen men's and women's players from China, including Yao Ming, Bateer and Zheng, have played in the NBA and the WNBA. Equally, more than 150 former NBA and WNBA players have played in the Chinese professional leagues over the past two decades.
Bateer, an NBA legend who won the NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2002-03 season, and currently chairman of the basketball association of Inner Mongolia, explained that Inner Mongolia Nongxin's standout performance in the WCBA has notably boosted the region's participation in basketball, creating even more enthusiasm for the sport.
"Kids are all interested in the sport, and parents support their involvement," said Bateer.
He added that he has been dedicated to promoting the sport to more grassroots areas, especially the vast pastoral regions of Inner Mongolia.
"Imagine a scene where a basketball court is built on a paved area. Children are playing games on the court while herders watch from horseback. That's a vision I've always hoped to see," he said.
