Jr. NBA Week Tips Off As Part Of League's Expanded Youth Program

The NBA is conducting its first Jr. NBA Week as part of its expanded Jr. NBA youth program that first began in '01. Under Armour is the presenting partner of the Jr. NBA program. Beginning today and running through Oct. 26, all 30 NBA teams will participate in the Jr. NBA Week program with a total of 100 events, including clinics, court dedications and open practices. “We feel that there is a gap and we can do more to reach the kids, parents and coaches,” said NBA President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens. “We are doing everything we can to connect kids in a much more focused way.”

The league’s goal is to engage 5 million children ages 6-14 through clinics, tournaments and skills challenges in the next two years, Behrens said. Under Armour's support of the Jr. NBA program is part of the company’s new sponsorship deal with the NBA. The league will launch a JrNBA.com website today and an app this week as part of the program. “It is much more enhanced than anything we have done,” Behrens said.