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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1625 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1625

  Supporting the recognition of ``World Basketball Day'', celebrated 
 globally on December 21 each year, and honoring the contributions of 
  basketball to global unity, international sports diplomacy, and the 
  transformative impact of the sport on communities across the world.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 19, 2024

Ms. Williams of Georgia (for herself, Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Neal, Mr. 
Ciscomani, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Carson, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, 
  Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Kamlager-
Dove, Mr. Stanton, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Mr. Veasey, 
    and Ms. Scholten) submitted the following resolution; which was 
       referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Supporting the recognition of ``World Basketball Day'', celebrated 
 globally on December 21 each year, and honoring the contributions of 
  basketball to global unity, international sports diplomacy, and the 
  transformative impact of the sport on communities across the world.

Whereas basketball is a sport enjoyed by millions of people across the globe, 
        uniting individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds through a 
        shared love of athleticism and teamwork;
Whereas the game of basketball is a key element of North American sporting 
        heritage, having been invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891, 
        by James Naismith, a Canadian-American educator, physician, and 
        chaplain;
Whereas, on August 25, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a 
        resolution proclaiming December 21 annually as World Basketball Day;
Whereas World Basketball Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the role 
        basketball plays in fostering sportsmanship and mutual respect, 
        transcending cultural differences;
Whereas the United States has been a central hub in the development and global 
        spread of basketball, which has enriched both domestic and international 
        communities and influenced countless lives through programs, 
        professional leagues, and community engagement initiatives;
Whereas more than 585,000,000 people worldwide play basketball annually;
Whereas a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 
        countries across 6 continents were on National Basketball Association 
        (NBA) opening-night rosters for the 2024-2025 season, showcasing the 
        growth and success of basketball across the world;
Whereas three international players, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis 
        Antetokounmpo, have combined to win the last 6 NBA Most Valuable Player 
        awards;
Whereas, since 1978, the NBA has played more than 215 games in more than 20 
        countries outside the United States and Canada;
Whereas the Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, has 
        been a beacon for recognizing the sport's greatest contributors, and the 
        work of the basketball community continues to inspire young people to 
        excel both on and off the court;
Whereas basketball and basketball players have served as a forum and ambassadors 
        for cross-cultural understanding and humanitarian cooperation; and
Whereas Dikembe Mutombo, former NBA player and global humanitarian, has served 
        as an exemplary figure in using basketball as a platform to promote 
        peace, education, and health care, particularly through his work in his 
        native Democratic Republic of the Congo: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the recognition of World Basketball Day, 
        celebrating the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity 
        fostered through basketball;
            (2) commends the efforts of athletes, organizations, and 
        individuals who have contributed to the advancement of 
        basketball as a vehicle for positive change in communities 
        around the world;
            (3) honors the contributions of Dikembe Mutombo, and others 
        like him, who have used their platform to further humanitarian 
        causes and foster peace through the universal language of 
        basketball; and
            (4) encourages the continued growth of basketball programs, 
        at home and abroad, that create pathways for the next 
        generation of leaders, drive upward opportunities, and build 
        upstanding citizens.
                                 <all>
```