Celebrating World Basketball Day

Join us as we celebrate the power of sport through basketball!

 

On 21 December 2023, YMCAs, sports clubs, teams, and schools worldwide united to celebrate basketball, a sport that was born at the YMCA, marking the first-ever World Basketball Day. This historic occasion paid tribute to Dr. James Naismith’s invention of basketball on 21 December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. With a pair of peach baskets and a soccer ball, Dr. Naismith created a game that would go on to become one of the most popular sports globally.

In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/324, officially proclaiming 21 December as World Basketball Day, recognizing the sport’s universal impact. The UN acknowledged basketball’s power to transcend borders, cultures, and languages, acting as a unifying force that fosters connection and promotes peace.

Looking ahead World Basketball Day 2024

We are excited to celebrate World Basketball Day 2024, continuing to honor the spirit of community, unity, and the power of basketball to create change. We look forward to seeing even more YMCA events worldwide, showcasing the joy and impact of basketball.

As we gear up for this special day, we invite everyone to participate by sharing the joy and impact of basketball.
To help you get started, we’ve prepared a World Basketball Day 2024 Toolkit, featuring ready-to-use templates, including Canva designs and logos, that you can easily adopt and customize.

👉 Access the Toolkit Here

Youth Basketball | YMCA of Central Virginia

In 2023, on World Basketball Day, delegates from the World YMCA, the UN, and other partners gathered at the House of Basketball at FIBA headquarters in Mies, Switzerland.

Across the globe, YMCAs organized inspiring events to showcase basketball’s ability to bring people together and create positive change.

Here are just a few of the many celebrations from 2023:

YMCA The Gambia
YMCA The Gambia hosted a day of activities, including passing and shooting drills, a shooting competition, and games for youth ages 12-18.

YMCA Siderno (Italy)
YMCA Siderno held an indoor basketball event open to the local community, celebrating the sport and its global significance.

Y Canberra Region (Australia)
The Y partnered with organizations like the Bruton Basketball Foundation to offer basketball activities and encourage learning about the game.

YMCA Foglia, Illinois, USA
YMCA Foglia in Illinois welcomed all community members to enjoy basketball activities and participate in fun games and challenges.

YMCA Bombay (India)
YMCA Bombay celebrated with more than 1,000 children across nine basketball courts in Mumbai, offering skills classes, a three-point contest, and a free-throw competition.

YMCA Thessaloniki (Greece)
YMCA Thessaloniki organized basketball games and open tours of the YMCA Basketball Museum, showcasing the history and transformative impact of the sport.