Nike Brings LeBron James Back to Inspire Filipino Youth

Nike is bringing back two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP LeBron James to Manila to mentor the Rise players.  James will also announce members of the final Rise team on August 20 and will continue to inspire the young athletes to leave their comfort zone and get better in the game like never before.

LeBron’s #RISE Story

LeBron James broke into the scene during his formative years in high school, growing up with a drive for greatness like no other.  His relentless desire paired with numerous hours in the gym spent practicing and honing his skills, paved the way to basketball superstardom.

In 2003, he was drafted in the professional league and has since lived up to the hype with numerous accolades under his belt, including two championship rings, four MVP Awards, two Finals MVP Awards, and two All-Star MVP Awards. On a global scale, he was the centerpiece of two Olympic Gold Medal runs in 2008 and 2012. In the past year, he faced more scrutiny and criticism than any other basketball player in the league even as he powered his team through the finals against numerous trials and challenges. He showed that no matter what adversities one faces, one should go all the way and do his best and know that he can rise above it all. LeBron’s tour in Manila will inspire the Filipino youths and aspiring basketball players to fight through obstacles to realize their true basketball potential.

Fans are welcome to personally see LeBron James and hear how he inspires all to “Rise Beyond Belief” with the LeBron James Rise Tour on August 20th at the Mall of Asia of Arena. Gates open at 6:00PM. Tickets for the evening can be obtained by registering on http://gonike.me/LebronJamesRiseTour started last 9:00AM on August 14 until 11:59PM of the same day. Fans who successfully register will need to bring their confirmation email and valid ID on the designated times and dates at Nike stores from August 15 to 18 to pick up their tickets. Fans can enjoy a custom “Rise Beyond Belief” photo booth exclusively at Nike Park Fort in Taguig and be part of a special LeBron James photo mosaic.

Catch Episodes 1 to 5 of Nike Rise airing all Sundays of August at 6PM on TV5.

For more information on #RISE and LeBron James’ visit, follow Nike Philippines on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nikebasketball) and Twitter via @NikePH.



This is a press release

Nike Brings Paul George to Manila to Inspire and Enable #RisePlayers

Manila, Philippines, July 20 2015 – Nike basketball athlete, Paul George, was in Manila to be the first mentor to the 24 players from #Rise, Nike’s first ever reality documentary and basketball development program.

George arrived on Sunday, July 19, and dropped in on local kids playing basketball at a tenement court, getting his first immersion into Pinoy streetball. On July 20 George opened the House of Rise, the main training ground for Rise players, and introduced the 24 Rise players. The Rise players have embarked on a six-week journey of high-level basketball training from professional coaches led by former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and former national player now Talk ‘N Text team manager Jimmy Alapag.

Since July 15, the Rise players have been living like a Nike athlete – professional training every day consisting of skills drills and strength and conditioning workouts.  Training is conducted by Nike Rise coaching staff led by Coach Chot. They will be aided by elevated training tools that will help them analyze their game and get better at it, raise their level through speed, shooting and defensive exercises, and be motivated by athletes who will share their own Rise stories.

The Rise players have been equipped with the best Nike Basketball product innovations that include both training apparel and footwear. For supporters and fans, the Nike Rise collection of tees and signature athlete shoes will be available at selected Nike stores beginning July 2015.

“There is no lack of basketball talent in the Philippines. But there may be a lack of opportunity. Every basketball player wants to reach new heights in his game so he can bring his game out there and reach his or her basketball dream. Nike wants to help them get out of their comfort zone so they can make that next step that will make them rise to the top of their game. By providing them with a professionally run basketball program and product innovations to support them, they can hopefully make their dreams come true,”said Patrick Reyes, Country Marketing Manager of Nike Philippines.

The audience can follow the 24 kids on their Rise journey until the final 12 players that comprise the Rise Team are chosen over TV5, every Sunday starting July. For behind-the-scenes and additional training content, go to Nike.com.  Keep track of online content through #Rise.

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About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com

About Rise

Rise is Nike’s first-ever reality documentary basketball program in the Philippines, bringing the best in innovation and training to enable athletes to rise beyond their limits. Rise is to inspire young Filipinos to discover that the ability to rise is in everyone, to raise and game and realise their true basketball potential. Through a nation-wide search, 24 Rise players will be enabled by professional training and coaching, and Nike Basketball product innovations. Training will be conducted in the House of Rise. The journey will be broadcasted on TV5 every Sunday starting July. For behind-the-scenes and additional training content, go to Nike.com. Keep track of online content through #Rise.