Basketball's Torchbearer: Hamane Niang, Honorary FIBA President, Takes the Helm as President of the FIBA Foundation!

Basketball's Torchbearer: Hamane Niang, Honorary FIBA President, Takes the Helm as President of the FIBA Foundation!

In a momentous development during the hybrid Board Meeting, Hamane Niang, the esteemed Honorary FIBA President, received the distinguished appointment as the new President of the FIBA Foundation.

This significant transition positions Niang at the forefront of the Foundation's leadership, entrusted with steering its vision and initiatives to new heights. His appointment marks a pivotal chapter in the ongoing legacy of the FIBA Foundation, emphasising the organisation's commitment to impactful leadership and the global advancement of basketball.

This announcement coincided with a series of pivotal appointments that will shape the trajectory of FIBA for the 2023-2027 period. President Niang assumes his role, succeeding the notable Horacio Muratore, another distinguished FIBA Honorary President who held the position since 2019. Muratore, in his unwavering commitment to FIBA's mission, transitions to the role of Board Member in the upcoming cycle, ensuring his continued contributions to the organisation. Notably, the Board has also bestowed the role of Vice-President upon Emeritus Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, further fortifying FIBA's leadership with experienced and influential figures. The dynamic changes within FIBA's leadership herald a new era of innovation and dedication to the global basketball community.

"I'm proud to be taking up this position with the FIBA Foundation, which has a tremendous track record of 16 years in using basketball as a powerful driver to make a positive difference to so many communities around the world," stated the new FIBA Foundation President.

In a historic stride toward gender inclusivity, the FIBA Foundation Board has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by welcoming three accomplished women to its ranks for the first time. Among these trailblazers is Michelle Timms, a distinguished FIBA Hall of Famer whose contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. Additionally, the Board is privileged to welcome another luminary, Predrag Stojakovic, a legendary player and World Cup champion.

This move not only diversifies the Board's composition but also reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where the wealth of expertise and experiences from both genders can contribute to the advancement of basketball on a global scale.

"Along with my fellow Board Members, I will be dedicated to making sure the FIBA Foundation continues to move from strength to strength. The focus will remain on using basketball as an important and valuable source for good, as well as preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of our fantastic sport," stated Hamane Niang.

The FIBA Foundation, the organisation's social and legacy arm, harnesses basketball's transformative influence to instigate positive social change and establishes itself as the foremost global authority in international basketball history. At the core of its mission are two pivotal pillars: 'Basketball For Good' and 'Cultural Heritage.'

The 'Basketball For Good' initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to leveraging the sport as a force for positive societal impact, promoting inclusivity, education, and community development. Simultaneously, 'Cultural Heritage' underscores FIBA's dedication to preserving and promoting basketball's rich history and traditions on a global scale. Through these dual pillars, the Foundation endeavours to leave an enduring legacy beyond the courts, touching lives and communities worldwide.

Within the framework of 'Basketball For Good' Priorities, the Foundation spearheads global initiatives that leverage the power of Mini Basketball, Youth Leadership, and Community Impact. These projects aim to not only foster a love for the sport among the youth but also empower future leaders and make a positive impact on communities worldwide.
‍
‍The new FIBA Foundation Board for the term 2023-2027 is:

Hamane Niang, President
Manuel V Pangilinan, Vice President
Ingo Weiss, Treasurer
Andreas Zagklis, Secretary General
Sheikh Saud Ali Al-Thani, Member
H. H. Shaikh Isa Ali Khalifa Al Khalifa, Member
Jane Maywald, Member
Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, Member
Evangelos Liolios, Member
Horacio Muratore, Member
Kiyofumi Tamiaki, Member
Jingnan Xu, Member
Predrag Stojakovic, Member
Jennifer Williams, Member
Michele Timms, Member
Ulf Mehrens (IWBF), Member

New Heads of Advisory Committee
Jane Maywald, Head of Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
H.H. Shaikh Isa Ali Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Head of Basketball For Good Advisory Committee

[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]