BERLIN (Germany) - The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 has provided a memorable experience for hundreds of young girls from the Berlin region, thanks to the Little Champions Program. This initiative, supported by Toyota, allowed participants to walk onto the court alongside top international players, experiencing the thrill of a World Cup from a unique vantage point.
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Selected girls from various clubs in Berlin accompanied players onto the court before games throughout the tournament, creating unforgettable moments filled with smiles and excitement. The program is a testament to the FIBA Foundation’s commitment to using basketball as a means of inclusion, education, and social impact. One of the Foundation's primary goals is to foster a lasting legacy at every FIBA event, leveraging basketball's global reach to empower youth and strengthen communities well beyond the tournament's conclusion.
"We want these girls to feel that they belong in basketball. Experiences like this can inspire a lifelong connection to the game, whether as players, coaches, officials, volunteers, or fans. If they leave here feeling excited about basketball and wanting to come back, then Little Champions has done its job," said Theren Bullock Jr., Head of the FIBA Foundation.
Through collaboration with the Berlin Basketball Association and the German Basketball Federation, all basketball clubs in Berlin and Brandenburg were invited to enroll girls from their teams as Basketball For Good Little Champions. Special interest was noted from clubs supporting low-income and migrant communities, which often face financial barriers to such opportunities.
A total of 432 children from 32 registered clubs participated across 18 tournament sessions, with volunteers ensuring they had an enjoyable experience filled with fun activities, laughter, and the chance to meet Bearlina, the tournament mascot. For many, this marked their first attendance at a major international sporting event, allowing them to see female representation on basketball's biggest stage. Such experiences are crucial in building confidence and a sense of belonging in the sport.
Iyana Martin, a player at the event, expressed, "Sharing the court with these girls was really special. Seeing their excitement and pride as they stood alongside us before the game was a moment I won't forget. I hope this experience inspires them to keep believing in themselves and to stay connected to basketball."
As the world's top players vied for glory in Berlin, the Basketball For Good Little Champions program highlighted that the most significant victories often occur away from the scoreboard, inspiring the next generation of players and ensuring the tournament's legacy endures long after the final trophy is awarded.