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N.A.B.I. Native American Basketball Invitational
July 8-14, 2007
Phoenix, AZ
www.nabihoops.com

Opening doors for Native American Athletes

On July 8-14, 2007, the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) hosted its 5th annual tournament in Phoenix, Arizona, with more than 80 teams! The winning teams were: “4 Love of the Game” of theMuscogee (Creek) Nation in Henryetta, OK, girls division and “Cheyenne Arapaho” of the Cheyenne Arapaho in Concho, OK, boys division.  In March 2007, NABI became the first all Native American tournament to be certified by the NCAA.  This new certification allows Division I and Division II college coaches and scouts to attend the tournament increasing the exposure of Native American basketball players opening the door of possibility for them to receive scholarships to four-year colleges. 

The tournament began in July 2003, hosting 24 Native American teams made up of high school athletes.  Every year Native American youth from around the United States and Canada go to Phoenix to showcase their skills on the basketball court. NABI’s mission is to provide tournament participants with educational opportunities through scholarships and college mentoring programs.  The annual tournament is sponsored from the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Nike and many others.

For information about the team registration, NABI Foundation, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities contact 602-265-2770 or visit the official website of NABI at www.NABIHOOPS.com.