APOPKA, Fla. - eTradeWire -- ORLANDO, FL — For the first time in more than 100 years, the legacy connected to Dr. James Naismith, inventor of basketball, is stepping back onto the front lines of youth basketball.

The Naismith International Basketball Foundation has been approved for media access at the AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic, taking place May 23–25, 2026, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Central Florida.

NIBF will be on-site asking one powerful question:

What has basketball done for you?

This is not just another tournament. This is where young athletes, parents, coaches, families, and basketball dreams come together — and where the foundation connected to the inventor of the game will help reintroduce basketball's original purpose.

Basketball was not created for rankings, social media pressure, or highlight culture. It was created to build stronger bodies, cleaner minds, character, teamwork, discipline, respect, and community.

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NIBF's media setup will be simple:

3 chairs. 2 microphones. 1 camera. 1 backdrop.

No disruption. No complicated setup. No interference with games.

Just real conversations with players, parents, coaches, and families built around three questions:

Who invented basketball? Why was basketball invented? What has basketball done for you?

"This is bigger than media," said Hector Perdomo, Volunteer President and Naismith Legacy Steward of NIBF. "This is about bringing Dr. Naismith's name, vision, and values back to the front lines of the game he gave the world."

NIBF's mission is rooted in Dr. Naismith's original ideals:

Strong in Body. Clean in Mind. Lofty in Ideals.

NIBF is seeking IMMEDIATE sponsors, media partners, student media collaborators, and community supporters to help bring this activation to life.

Be part of the movement. Help bring basketball back to its purpose.

http://www.NaismithFoundation.org

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About NIBF
The Naismith International Basketball Foundation was established through the Naismith family legacy, with direct connection to Ian "Yan" Naismith, grandson of Dr. James Naismith, and Renee DiGiulio Naismith, Emeritus Founder.

NIBF exists to preserve the origin, protect the values, and elevate the game through education, storytelling, sportsmanship, youth development, and community engagement.

NIBF: The Soul of the Game™

Email: h.perdomo@naismithfoundation.org
Website: http://www.NaismithFoundation.org

Important Note:
This announcement refers to approved media access for the AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic. It does not represent official sponsorship, endorsement, or partnership with AAU, Disney, ESPN Wide World of Sports, or Walt Disney World Resort unless separately approved.