Naismith Legacy Returns to Youth Basketball

APOPKA, Fla. - EntSun -- 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.

More on EntSun News

• Brightwater Lagoon announces Fourth of July weekend specials
• Senco Home Services Expands Residential Construction Services
• Ricci's Painting & Contracting Expands Home Transformation Services
• Magic Thread Media Signs Broadway Actress Sandra Bargman & Acquires The Edge of Everyday
• Baltimore Fashion Week Announces 2026 Designer Lineup

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

More on EntSun News

• Audilus Named Sync Licensing Representative for Three Labrador Entertainment Catalogs
• Sylvester Anthony III Introduces His Artist Journey with Debut Single "Cherish"
• Nyra Arcane Releases "Halo," a Soulful New Single That Turns Love, Pain, and Healing Into Light
• Boston Industrial Solutions Introduces High-Performance Primer for Bonding Liquid Silicone to Epoxy
• Healthcare Leaders Publish New Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Guide, Led by Doctors of Behavioral Health

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.