OREANDA-NEWS. August 06, 2014. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and SIBUR opened the Olympiets facility in Perm to accommodate the first basketball court refurbished under their multiyear partnership to provide safe and accessible basketball facilities, grow the appeal of basketball in Russia, and promote an active lifestyle.

 The opening ceremony was attended by the Chair of the Perm Territory Government Gennady Tushnolobov, Head of the Perm City Administration Dmitry Samoilov, SIBUR CEO Dmitry Konov, NBA Vice President – International, Russia David Watts, NBA stars, twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez, and President of VTB United League Sergey Kushchenko.

The refurbished court hosted a basketball tournament between SIBUR's team and the representatives of legislative and executive bodies of the Perm Territory and the city of Perm, as well as a basketball master class for kids by the Lopez brothers.

As part of their partnership, the NBA and SIBUR launched a program to regenerate basketball facilities in 10 cities in Russia. The improved facility in Perm will increase opportunities for the community, including SIBUR’s employees and their children, to learn and play the game of basketball.

Dmitry Konov commented, “SIBUR provides broad support to professional and amateur sports in the regions where we operate. Our joint project with the NBA gives us another opportunity to increase youth involvement in sports and healthy lifestyle. As a city renowned for its basketball achievements, Perm is the right place to kick off our project.”

“The NBA is excited to begin our court regeneration project together with SIBUR in Perm,” said David Watts. “The Perm community is historically an enthusiastic supporter of basketball. The NBA has a worldwide commitment to growing the game of basketball, and this project will assist our Russian fans to stay connected with our league. SIBUR’s organizational and administrative support is invaluable to providing Perm with unique experiences and expanded access to basketball.”