OREANDA-NEWS. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company SIBUR today announced a comprehensive multiyear partnership designed to provide safe and accessible basketball facilities, grow the appeal of basketball in Russia, and promote an active lifestyle.

As part of the partnership, SIBUR and the NBA will launch a program aimed at the regeneration of basketball facilities in 10 cities in Russia. Together with SIBUR, the NBA will identify indoor courts in need of refurbishment located in regions where SIBUR has a presence. SIBUR will provide organizational and administrative support on future events to be held at the refurbished courts. Over the course of the partnership, these improved facilities will be made available to the community and provide people, including SIBUR’s employees and their children, with a chance to learn and play the game of basketball. As part of the joint commitment to improve the skills of local children, NBA players, Legends, or Coaches, will visit the locations to host clinics and events.

SIBUR will also feature as an associate partner of NBA Global Games London 2014. The game, featuring the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks, takes place at The O2 on Jan. 16 and is the NBA’s fourth regular-season game in London since 2011.

SIBUR's CEO Dmitry Konov: "We are happy that our partnership with the NBA will allow us to make a considerable contribution to sports development in the regions where SIBUR has a presence. The recently opened SIBUR Arena basketball facility in Saint Petersburg , together with our sponsorship of a charity All-Star basketball game are further examples of our commitment to sports. SIBUR also provides similar support to social projects in other sports in Russia, which increases young people’s engagement in sports activities and promotes a healthy lifestyle".

"Through this partnership, SIBUR and the NBA aim to improve access to basketball facilities for Russian youth, - said David Watts, NBA Vice President - International, Russia. - The NBA has a worldwide commitment to growing the game of basketball and ensuring that people can play the game they love in a safe and secure environment, NBA fans in Russia are increasingly engaged with our league and, as a market leader with a deep commitment to sports, SIBUR is an ideal partner to help us provide communities with unique experiences and greater access to basketball in Russia".