NBA Nation, the NBA's largest mobile basketball playground, will return to China for the second consecutive year and visit 12 cities from May 31 to Aug 18, giving fans the chance to enjoy basketball contests, interact with NBA players and pose with the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy.

O.J. Mayo, of the Dallas Mavericks, will launch the festivities in Guangzhou by hosting an NBA FIT Clinic. He will also participate in a variety of basketball activities, signing autographs and interacting with fans.

As the NBA Nation tour progresses, other NBA players will make appearances, including NBA All-Star's Paul George of the Indiana Pacers and LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors and Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors. NBA dance teams will also attend NBA Nation stops and put on performances in select cities.

Fans in China will have the opportunity to pose with the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy in all 12 cities. It will be showcased at an NBA playoff-themed exhibition area at each location.

In its continued effort through the NBA FIT program to support health and wellness, NBA China will partner the China Youth Development Foundation in conducting NBA FIT clinics in the 12 cities. During the clinics, NBA players will teach students basketball skills and lead them through a series of exercise routines while emphasizing the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle.

NBA Nation will feature interactive activities and live DJ performances while giving fans of all ages a playground to shoot, slam and dribble - and the chance to participate in activities including Measure Ups and NBA video game contests.

With the support of its marketing partners, NBA Nation will feature the following activities:

- Head & Shoulders three-point shootout

- Head & Shoulders team shooting contest

- PEAK slam dunk contest

- PEAK knockout challenge

- Gatorade "Win From Within" Basketball Challenge

- Harbin Beer skills challenge

- NBA 3 on 3 tournament

The respective city champions of the NBA 3 on 3 tournament will be awarded NBA merchandise and player autographs, with the overall champion winning a trip to NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans in 2014.

(China Daily 05/25/2013 page16)