Every Court Has A Story
The 7th Annual Awards
- Best Engagement for Good
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
By revitalizing basketball courts, Every Court Has A Story unites and fortifies communities with a vibrant and safe place to gather and play.
Every Court Has A Story is an annual contest in which individuals can nominate a basketball court that holds a special place in their heart but is in need of attention and care. Contestants are invited to enter by creating and submitting YouTube videos that tell their local court's story. Winning basketball courts are chosen to undergo comprehensive refurbishment -- including crack repairs, patch filling, resurfacing, artistic color coating, and the addition of new backboards and rims.
More than just renovations, this initiative amplifies personal stories, strengthens neighborhoods, and increases access to quality play environments for all.
How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?
Every Court Has A Story combines user-generated content, grassroots storytelling, and community-driven action to drive deep engagement. With 39 heartfelt video submissions, the initiative doesn’t just refurbish courts—it amplifies local voices, fosters pride, and inspires broader participation in the game of basketball. By transforming personal stories into tangible community impact, the initiative raises the bar for social engagement.
Objective
Every Court Has A Story transforms neglected basketball courts into vibrant, safe spaces for communities to gather and play. By leveraging storytelling and grassroots engagement, the initiative invites individuals to share the significance of their local court and bring attention to spaces in need of refurbishment. The program fosters community pride, increases access to high-quality play environments, and unites people through basketball.
The goal is ultimately to use basketball to make communities safer, healthier, vibrant, and more connected.
Strategy & Execution
Every Court Has A Story is a collaborative initiative, combining philanthropy, media, and grassroots storytelling to maximize impact:
* JDS Sports provided financial backing through its philanthropic arm (Play With Purpose) and amplified the initiative via investment properties, including SLAM and Five-Star Basketball.
* Project Backboard (NPO) executes the refurbishments, working with local parks departments and artists to resurface courts with community-inspired designs.
* Local Hoops structured the contest, creating the entry system and website while managing UGC on YouTube
* Victory Creative developed branding and digital assets alongside Local Hoops
In 2024, the contest introduced a panel of judges, including influential figures in basketball, to add credibility, expand reach, and ensure a fair selection process. The initiative also caught the attention of the NBA, further validating its impact.
Organizations
- Project Backboard
- Local Hoops
- Victory Creative
- JDS Sports
Links
Credits
Peter Casey
CEO
JDS Sports
Jasmine Hill
Project Manager
JDS Sports
Joe Samberg
Chairman
JDS Sports
Karl Blum
Principal
JDS Sports
Dan Peterson
CEO
Project Backboard
Sam Peterson
Head of Field Operations
Project Backboard
Shelton Hawkins
Project Backboard
Terrell Brown
Founder
Hillside Connection
Janel Young
Muralist
Allegheny Commons Park -- The Jungle
Trey Phills
Judge
Every Court Has a Story
Briana Green
Judge
Every Court Has a Story
Alex Taylor
Judge
Every Court Has a Story
Mark Starkey
CEO
Victory Creative
Jon Haray
Co-Founder
Local Hoops
Alex Rhubert
Co-Founder
Local Hoops
Celebrate in NYC
Join us for the 7th Annual Hashtag Sports Awards™ on the evening of June 24, 2025 as we celebrate finalists and reveal the winners of this year's awards live during the show.
