– Housed in St. Louis Park, the new community court promotes multi-generational play and advances access and equity in sports –
In partnership with two of its leading ambassadors, Paige Bueckers and Jamad Fiin, StockX today unveiled a community basketball court in St. Louis Park, MN. The brand tapped 501(c)(3) organization, Project Backboard, to renovate the public court with a large-scale art installation meant to strengthen the community, improve park safety, encourage multi-generational play, and inspire people to think more critically and creatively about their environment. The court is one of many community giveback initiatives the basketball stars are bringing to life as part of their StockX partnerships.
“It’s been such an incredible opportunity to work with StockX,” said Paige Bueckers. “From the beginning, they have understood my commitment to driving impact in the community and through all levels of the women’s game. This court serves as a celebration of where I’m from and the power of community. It’s an honor to share the space with Jamad and celebrate the power of basketball to bring people together.”
Located in Nelson Park and adjacent to the Peter Hobart Primary Center, the court is immersed in a community that holds a special place in the hearts of both players. Paige Bueckers was born and raised in St. Louis Park and attended Peter Hobart Primary. Jamad Fiin grew up visiting family and friends in the area, and today hosts basketball camps for young Somali women interested in the sport. The court creative pays homage to the backgrounds and cultures of the two athletes. The wavy lines are representative of woven Somali textiles from Jamad’s heritage and the flowing waves nod to Paige who is famously known for “going with the flow.” The colors featured are illustrative of both a Somali sunset and Paige’s favorite colors. The encouraging words, “Be You. Be Great.” are prominently featured at center court and serve as an ode to Paige’s father, who recites the phrase to her before every game. The mantra also speaks to Jamad – who wears a hijab in observance of her Muslim faith – as she aims to empower young women of all backgrounds to be themselves.
“It’s an absolute pleasure and dream come true to be able to partner with StockX and open this court, which we really see as vital for the community,” said Jamad Fiin. “The sport of basketball has inspired me to accomplish many great things in life and I hope that a new, inspirational space in which to play the game is a catalyst for all who use it in the future. ”
“StockX is committed to supporting organizations and individuals who are dedicated to championing confidence, healthy habits, and physical and mental wellness in youth around the world,” said StockX CMO, Deena Bahri. “As we work to advance access and equity in sports, it was important that we engage these two talented young women from different backgrounds and cultures, and help them give back to their communities in a way that was authentic to them. It’s partners like Jamad and Paige who will help us change the narrative around inclusivity in sports for future generations.”
StockX will celebrate the opening of the court with a private friends & family event for attendees to partake in basketball drills and games with Jamad and Paige. The public court will benefit the Peter Hobart Primary Center as well as the larger St. Louis Park community and also serve as a homebase for Paige and Jamad to continue to drive future community building initiatives in partnership with StockX.
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