Every summer high school athletes from across the country travel to Arizona to take part in NABI (Native American Basketball Invitational) a Native American high school sports event and one of the largest event of it’s kind. NABI was founded back in 2002 and with time has blossomed into the premier event of the year. Teams representing tribal communities from across the US and Canada will embark on a journey to compete for the prestigious NABI National Championship trophy and an opportunity to shine in front on the media and scouts in attendance. For the first time, ITA Native Sports is excited to announce will be in attendance covering the event.

Here’s the latest from NABI Foundation:

“Native American athletes are among the most talented athletes in the world, with a passion for the game of basketball that goes back many generations, but with some reservations being desolate and isolated, our youth are not aforded the same opportunities to shine and use their talent to secure college athletic scholarships.

Through NABI (Native American Basketball Invitational), Native American high school athletes are showcased in the “largest” all Native basketball tournament in North America and presented opportunites that inspire them to succeed and strive for higher education.

In conjunction with the tournament the NABI Foundation hosts one of the largest “College & Career Fairs” bringing educational and career minded organizations to provide our youth with the many possibilities awating them

Since its Inception in 2003, NABI Basketball has served over 15,000 youth, created numerous scholarships, succeeded in having one of our athletes go pro into the WNBA. Through our NABI Scholarship Fund, we have awarded over $200,000 in financial aid to our NABI athletes who go on to pursue higher education

The tournament in its effort to bring national attention to Native American athletes has been featured in numerous national media outlets such as: Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, USA Today, New York Times and many more!” NABI Foundation

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 – Begin accepting applications
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 – Application & Fees Deadline
MONDAY, JANUARY 2 – Invited teams will be notified
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 – Announcement of invited teams will be posted on official website
THURSDAY, MARCH 2 – NO player additions or uniform size changes after MARCH 2, 2017
SUNDAY, JULY 9 – Team Check-In & NABI related events.  MANDATORY all players be present (LOCATION TBD)
MONDAY, JULY 10 – FRIDAY, JULY 14 – Tournament Play begins (LOCATION TBD)
SATURDAY, JULY 15 – Silver & Gold Division Championship Games at Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury
Talking Stick Resort Arena
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Visit their website for more information

http://www.nabifoundation.org