Havana - The National Basketball Association (NBA) opened in this capital a sports Camp aimed at supporting the development of basketball in Cuba.

Also protected by FIBA America and the local Federation, the event -being part of the Basketball without Border program- will end on Sunday, April 26, and provides a program of clinics and lectures for children, young basketball players and referees.

The NBA embassy is led by Canadian Steve Nash, an eight-time All-Star's Most Valuable Player, and Congolese Dikembe Mutombo, NBA global ambassador and member of the Hall of Fame.

Also on the list is Portuguese Ticha Penicheiro, all-time leader in career assists (2,599), and was one of the best player in seven seasons.

During the Camp's opening ceremony held yesterday night at the "Manuel Fajardo" University of Science of Physical Culture and Sports in Havana, sports authorities delivered recognition plaques to former outstanding basketball players, coaches, and FIBA Americas regional director Alberto Andres Garcia.

This trip to Cuba will open a bridge to develop basketball in the country. This will be a unique opportunity to teach the values of our sports, former pivot Mutombo, 2.18 meters tall, stated.

The Americas' Basketball Academy director Victor Ojeda, the director of High Performance of the Cuban Institute of Sports (INDER) Jose Antonio Miranda, the University of Sports rector Amarilis Torres, other leaders and officials of the sports institution, and Cuban great sporting figures, also attended the act.