Mastercard supports next generation of basketball champions by launching regional Mastercard Rising Stars competition

Mastercard continues its commitment to promoting and supporting athletic performance, announcing the launch of Rising Stars, a basketball competition dedicated to countries in the SEE region, organized in collaboration with the Romanian Basketball Federation. From June 18 to 20, the Mastercard Rising Stars competition will bring together the U18 men’s national basketball teams from Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Kosovo in Cluj-Napoca, providing a development platform for young talents in the region.

Built around passion for sports, the competition will feature a four-team format, with a total of eight matches. The draw for group formation (A, B, C) will take place during the technical meeting on June 17. Preliminary matches will be held on June 18 and 19 and the competition will culminate on June 20 with the final and the awards ceremony. These will take place at the “Horia Demian” Sports Hall in Cluj-Napoca.

“Sport is a traditional and renowned component of Balkan culture, which is why we can only be proud to establish a competition that will highlight the vibrancy of young talents, the passion for sports, and the excitement of the game. Mastercard Rising Stars aims to encourage young people to embrace values such as teamwork, fair play, discipline, and perseverance, and above all, to inspire the younger generation to always look up and aim high. This commitment stems, on the one hand, from the basketball technique, which requires athletes to look up when aiming for the basket to score, and on the other hand, from our innovative and forward-thinking brand DNA. I am convinced that by harnessing the existing enthusiasm among young players and implementing well-directed strategies to engage a broader audience, we can elevate sports standards and promote a thriving basketball culture throughout our region. We look forward to seeing the energy and passion these young athletes will bring to the court”, said Cosmin Vladimirescu, General Manager Mastercard Romania and Croatia.

“Basketball is mastered over long years of practice, of emotions, of sacrifices. And then it masters you, for it has dozens of unwritten principles and secrets that you discover in a veritable mirage with higher aim, with opponents and teammates, with leadership and coaching, with rules and discipline. All around the basketball backboard. The joint objectives of the participating National Sports Federations to spot, train and promote future performers bring forth the association of basketball from the old Balkans region with a reliable partner, Mastercard, a global brand committed to performance and society, and the joint project of education through basketball, aimed at junior athletes, category U18. Rising Stars defines the concept of education through basketball, olympic education and a wonderful lesson of friendship. There are no limits to what we can achieve through this project because we aim to constantly go above and beyond in promoting the spirit of fair play and competition. Talent without perseverance, without the stubbornness to overcome obstacles and prove that you can, is worth nothing. Mutual respect and fair play are the core values of our project”, said Emilia-Carmen Tocală, President of Romanian Basketball Federation and member of FIBA Central Board.

Additionally, the young athletes will benefit from a financial education workshop conducted by Junior Achievement. This workshop will equip them with knowledge about the importance of financial planning in relation to personal goals and the specifics of upcoming life stages, as well as the role of a savings plan in handling unforeseen situations.

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Mastercard continues to connect people to their passion for sport

Europeans’ passion for sports is at an all-time high, with gyms, stadiums, and sports technology thriving, in a year when multiple global sporting events are set to take place in Europe. The Mastercard “Experience Economy” research launched this year reveals that 40% of Romanians find attending a local sports club match very appealing, compared to 33% of Europeans overall. Additionally, 34% of Romanians believe that witnessing their favorite sports team win a trophy live would be life-changing or have a significant impact, compared to 32% of Europeans. Looking ahead, 23% of Romanians are eager to try more sport-based experiences in 2024.

A strong supporter of the game, sports performance, and education both on and off the field, Mastercard continues to inspire sports fans and support future generations of champions. The brand has a long history of involvement in global and local sports competitions and remains committed to its mission of connecting people with their passions. The sports platform includes long-standing partnerships with renowned events such as UEFA Champions League, Roland Garros, Australian Open, League of Legends Esports and Sports Festival.