In 1891, Dr. James Naismith was a physical educator in The School for Christian Workers. He was given the task to create an interesting indoor game to occupy students and keep them in shape during the winter months. He came up with the game we now know as basketball.

In 1892 a crowd of 200 people watched the 1st game between teachers and students of the school. In 2010 it is now estimated over 400 million people play the sport in 212 countries. Along with football, basketball is the only other sport that can truly claim to be a global game.

And London has contributed to this global success:

• There are many Londoners playing college basketball in the USA this season.

• 7 of the 12 members of the England national team that won the bronze medal in the Commonwealth games 2006 hail from the capital.

• 2 Londoners are playing professionally in the NBA.

There is an abundance of basketball talent in the capital city. We believe, that by providing the opportunity and proper guidance, we can make London’s contribution to the basketball world even greater.



But beyond just the sport itself, basketball can be a tool to help young people from all backgrounds to develop important life skills that can enable them to become successful in other areas of their lives. The attributes that are important to the game, discipline, hard work, perseverance teamwork, honesty and integrity, also are applicable to a person’s school and work lives. Our goal is to help youngsters understand how to make this connection and to enrich their lives and their futures through a sport that they love.

This is why we are starting the LONDON RENAISSANCE BASKETBALL FOUNDATION