Alongside the games, the young athletes explored Berlin, took part in workshops and inspiring talks, and attended games at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. These encounters and shared experiences created opportunities for exchange across teams, countries and different walks of life.

Why did we choose to support this project? Because we believe that young people grow when they experience trust, feel part of a community and gain access to new experiences. Sports can provide exactly that kind of space. It brings people together, builds teamwork and confidence, and opens up opportunities that reach far beyond the court. That is what convinced us about the Girls Basketball Festival. The young athletes had the opportunity to compete, meet new people, discover different perspectives and see some of the best female basketball players in the world perform on the biggest stage. Our work is not only about what young people can learn, but also about what they have access to: community, role models, new experiences and moments that can change their sense of what might be possible in their own lives. The access to these developmental opportunities is still far from equal.

The Girls Basketball Festival marked the beginning of our funding work. In the future, we want to support more projects and initiatives that create spaces where young people can develop their abilities, discover their strengths and perhaps even find entirely new dreams.