Basketball is a global game. Through the years, the evolution of basketball have endured through time and transcended international barriers. Proof that the game has become global is the fact that basketball competitions are now a staple in international competitions, most notably in the Olympics. In fact, in last year’s Beijing Olympics, the USA basketball team—comprised of top players from the National Basketball Association—was treated like royalty by adoring Chinese fans. The media followed their every move to provide news for fans who were unable to be in China.

The NBA has undoubtedly extended its global reach but the more notable things they have achieved are homegrown. Through its NBA Cares program, the league has fostered their advocacy for needy Americans. It also promotes education strongly among the youth, using their players as role models for young kids. The league and its personnel from players to team owners have raised millions of money to provide help and places to learn for the less fortunate ones.

Its foremost program with regards to education is its “Read to Achieve” program. The group has implemented the program throughout the United States to encourage children to read and eventually pursue their education with vigor. NBA teams have their own individual spins to this NBA education program like the Charlotte Bobcats’ Cool School Field Trip, the Detroit Pistons’ Book Drive and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Annual Reading Challenge. The LA Lakers even goes so far as to reward students and teachers alike in their School of Champions contest, which they conducted just as the team was on its way to this season’s championship. The Champs also rewards students and teachers through its monthly “Student & Teacher of the Month” for the 2008 NBA season.

Aside from this, the NBA is also in partnership with education advocacy groups like the UNICEF and the Reading Is Fundamental and the Get Caught Reading foundations. Basketball has indeed reached the global scale but the NBA and its players are not confined to merely playing the game; they are helping children play the game of life.