To celebrate the International Youth Day, the American Center organized a basketball event for HCMC youth on August 12. Hundreds of student athletes and sport fans participated in the games.  At the opening ceremony, Consul General Rena Bitter highlighted that sports are an important part of American culture, and that this is especially true for American youth. Sports provide opportunities for youth to engage in valuable and positive relationships with adults and peers. American Coach Jason Rabedeaux of the Saigon Heat, Vietnam’s only professional basketball team, led drills and talked about fair play, teamwork and having fun through sports. The event concluded with an award ceremony to recognize the most talented team.