ITEMS YOU WILL RECEIVE FROM NEWS RELEASE BASKETBALL 1 travel bag 1 backpack 2-3 NRB T-shirts 1 long sleeve shirt 1 hoodie 1 pair of practice/coaching shorts 1 set of game uniform (shorts and top) These are yours to keep after the tour. WHAT TO BRING Most of the time we will dress informally, and will be in gym clothes often, so only take a minimum amount of jeans, shorts, etc. Some of the teams might be involved in church service. We will dress casual, but nice. Your nicer pants/shorts + the News Release long-sleeve shirt, and your walking shoes are fine. Tip: pack for 7-8 days and plan to wash somewhere in between or during your first and second location. VITAL ITEMS Passport. (DO NOT pack it in your suitcase! Carry it on hand with you while traveling) Bible, notebook, pen (something to take notes) Cell phone (check with your carrier to make sure it will work where you are going) With any of your electronics, don’t forget to bring your chargers. And make sure they fit into the European outlets. You may need an adaptor plug. Europeans use a 2-plug outlet, with rounded prongs. Ask at an electronics store, for the correct adaptor. Also, make sure your equipment can run on 220v with your converter. ( WORLD PLUGS – by Country ) Basketball shoes 7-10 T-shirts/sport shirts 7-10 gym shorts/practice gear Socks and underwear, but limit to a minimal amount Walking/running shoes or sandals A LIGHT rain jacket If you need your ankles taped, or need athletic tape for any other reason, bring your own supply. We will have some athletic tape in each team’s med kit for emergencies, but not enough to accommodate everybody, especially if you tape every day. Any other medical game or practice prep equipment or materials you may need (ankle brace, knee brace, ointments, etc.), bring your own. (We recommend that if you have weak ankles, or you tape, consider using ankle braces. Athletic tape is not used often in Europe and is hard to get). Small body towel. Some of the teams will be staying in a school or church for part of the tour, so outside towels may not be readily available Any medications if you need them (they will be difficult to obtain while traveling) Spending money for gifts, snacks, etc. (depending on your spending habits, $200 to $300 for spending money should do fine….some players get by with less) Should you bring cash? credit card? ATM card? This is up to you, based on your personal preference. Many people bring an ATM card. There are ATM machines readily available in Europe. Gifts: Look in your closet or drawer for a T-shirt or two that represents you (school shirt, or a shirt with your name on it) that you can give away. If they are in good shape, bring those as gifts, as well as other regional or special trinkets you may want to share. Kids at the camps love to receive gifts from players. Swimsuit, or something to jump in the pool with. Some tours may be taking a swim.

Team Information | News Release Basketball

Q: Packing Tips

You will only be allowed ONE check-in bag and ONE backpack (the 2 items that we will provide for you). DO NOT BRING AN EXTRA BAG. We want to be light and mobile, especially when getting around the airports and train stations. Keep weight well below the 50-lbs (23kg) limit for international travel. News Release Basketball will not pay for excess bags if its your personal stuff. Do not pack your bag full! Everyone will have responsibility to carry team items (programs, med kit, team gifts, etc.) Half your travel bag will be your stuff, and half will be team gear/gifts. Again, the lighter you travel, the better. Every year, someone says, “I wish I would have packed less.” Pack one or two days worth of clothing in your CARRY ON bag. (This is in case of any luggage issues upon arrival) It’s helpful if your clothes are of the drip-dry variety (wash and wear, no ironing needed). Dry-fit materials are great for traveling. In some of the locations, our hosts offer to do laundry. We don’t want to burden our hosts, but we can take advantage of their generosity. If the opportunity is there, have your clothes washed. If we are not staying with hosts, be prepared to wash by hand.

TEAM INFO

WHAT'S NEXT...

QUESTIONS?

TIM.BIERI@NRBASKETBALL.ORG

+1 970 310 5636

#1 DEPOSIT

Please submit your
$100 Tour Deposit

This non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on the tour. This is done to demonstrate your commitment and to help cover initial costs.

**This deposit is tax deductible and will go towards the amount you are responsible to raise.**

If you’d rather write a check, please make it out to:

“News Release Basketball”
and send to:
News Release Basketball
P.O. Box 270585
Louisville, CO 80027

#2 PASSPORT

Please let us know if you have a passport or not.

This link will take you to the U.S. Passport service website

#3 FUNDRAISING

NRB Fundraising Flow

INTORDUCTION

This is an exciting time! It’s time to start on a journey of growth and faith. You will be able to see God work in your life in a way you never thought possible.

Here is what the News Release Basketball "Fundraising Flow" is designed to cover:

Fundraising and Faith

Fundraising Basics & Mechanics
"KNOW, PLAN, DO"
Fundraising Ideas

We expect you to be diligent and do everything you can to raise the necessary finances. The tour cannot travel unless everybody does their part and the whole team pulls together. If you make that commitment to your team and tour, we will commit to provide you with any material that you need, help you in any way that we can during this effort, and pray for you continually.
Let's get started. . .

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I have read this section

FUNDRAISING & FAITH

The Old and New Testaments show that it is part of God's blessing and perfectly legitimate to take the initiative and ask for financial support as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. In II Corinthians 8 , Paul not only asks the Corinthians to support God's workers, he actually sends a delegation to make sure they come through on their support pledge. Nehemiah, when returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem, asked for and received the necessary funds from a pagan King in order to complete God's work (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Receiving financial support is not the only reason the Bible teaches on this subject. Supporting one of God's workers is a blessing to the giver. Paul reinforces this in Philippians 4:17, "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account."
A spiritual blessing is imparted on those who give. Giving is an expression of thanks to God ( II Corinthians 9:12) and God is pleased when we give (Philippians 4:18).

“Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.” (Henri Nouwen, “The Spirituality of Fundraising”)

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I have read this section

FUNDRAISING BASICS & MECHANICS

KNOW, PLAN, DO.

KNOW the cost: Each tour costs around $2,900. Some are slightly different (depending on the expenses), so KNOW your required amount.

KNOW what it's for: The funds raised go toward:

60% Travel costs (flights, trains, insurance),
20% Team gear & gifts,
20% Food & lodging.

KNOW where it goes: 100% of the funds you raise go directly to the tour ministry. We do not include any of the News Release Basketball yearly operating costs in the tour budget.

KNOW who we are: News Release Basketball is a fully recognized 501c3 non-profit, charitable service organization. All donations are tax-deductible and will be receipted as such.

KNOW where to point: Direct donors to our website for giving information:
https://nrbasketball.org/donate/
You will also receive a custom fundraising page so you can send texts, emails, and post it on social media.

Check box3

I have read this section

FUNDRAISING BASICS & MECHANICS

KNOW, PLAN, DO.

Planning begins with deciding:

WHO you are going to reach out to.
WHAT you are going to write/say.
HOW you will make contact.
WHEN that contact will happen.

Our desire is to encourage an edifying and successful fundraising process. We encourage you to engage with your tour "team" (donors & prayer partners) in as many ways as possible.
Some of those ways include:
email, text, phone-call, social media, face-to-face, and physical letters.

PLANNING IS KEY.

Check box4

I have read this section

FUNDRAISING BASICS & MECHANICS

KNOW, PLAN, DO.

As you start the WHO, WHAT, HOW, WHEN process, we are committed to partnering with you! We will HELP make any contacts as needed, so it is important that we stay in good communication during this time.

WHO
Start by filling out a list of AT LEAST 25 potential partners HERE. You can also email your a list to tim.bieri@nrbasketball.org (just make sure it has the fields/columns: "First Name", "Last Name", "email", "Text #")

Think of as many family, friends, church, church groups, employer, school, etc...
With this list, we will help you send an email and create the text, phone, or letter content. The important part is that you FILL the list.

WHAT
This link will take you to a handful of content suggestions (e-mail, text, letter).
It is vital to make it personal and genuine, so make sure whatever you choose sounds like YOU.
Follow the "3 C's," CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE.

HOW
Reach out to your team in multiple ways and be sure to follow your contact plan.
For example: text→email→letter→phone
OR: email→text→face to face

WHEN
START NOW, stay organized.

Check box5

I have read this section

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Here are a few more ideas on HOW you can raise tour funds:

Basketball Camps/Clinics
Service Activity
"A-thons" (dribble, free-throw, 3 point, etc)
Garage sale
Online sales (craigslist, FB market, etc)
Community organizations/scholarships
Social Media video/presentation
Car Wash

Be CREATIVE, be DILIGENT, be PRAYERFUL, be BOLD, be THANKFUL!

By typing your name and clicking "GO" you are confirming your commitment to doing the work necessary to raise the required funds for your tour.

Name

#4 MINISTRY PREP

IN CHRIST, THROUGH HOOPS, TO THE WORLD!

Please go through EACH section below ⬇️

WHY We do This

God, through the work of Jesus, has transformed our lives and given us a strong hope and living purpose.

The Story of Scripture empowers us to action through the Holy Spirit. And as we live, we invite others to join the people of God, mirroring what God wills for humankind.

Watch this video to see how the Biblical story embodies Truth, Beauty and Goodness. It is the Story that we find ourselves in

We desire to share this hope by using basketball as a relationship building vehicle in order to show others the saving and transforming power of Christ-in-us.

Scroll through the graphics below to further explore WHY we do what we do…IN CHRIST…

HOW We do This

BASKETBALL is the glue that sticks us together. It is the tool that opens the door to new relationships and that cultivates continued relationships. Through these connections we desire to SHOW and TELL how Christ has transformed our lives…this is called “evangelism.“

Evangelism refers to sharing the Gospel. It comes from the same Greek word for gospel (euangelion) which means, “good news.” So literally, evangelism means “good newsing” (or in better English, “sharing the good news”).

“…evangelism is not a “special” activity to be undertaken at a prescribed time. It is the constant and spontaneous outflow of our individual and corporate experience of Christ. Even more specifically, evangelism is what Christ does through the activity of His children as they are involved in proclamation, fellowship and service.” – Joseph C. Aldrich, Life-Style Evangelism

THROUGH BASKETBALL we have the opportunity to run camps, clinics and play in exhibition and scrimmage games. During these activities we desire to truly live out Christ’s love, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, joy and purpose.

We will have opportunities to hear people’s stories, and share the stories of how our lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ.

Specifically, we desire to help you share your “Jesus story” in a clear and concise way that is real, relevant, and revitalizing.

SHARING Your Story

Here are a few tips to help you become more equipped to share God’s work in your life.

PRAY
Ask the Holy Spirit to open peoples lives to The Gospel. (Luke 12:8-12)

KNOW
What is the Gospel according to the Bible?

How has/does the Gospel impact your life?

SHARE

Again, our first priority is to SHOW how Christ has transformed our lives by LIVING in unity, peace and love.

This is shown through humble attitudes, service focus, joyful efforts, and genuine love and energy.

In order to TELL our stories, we want to make sure you’re prepared to share the hope you have in Christ.

Here is a simple and short outline to help organize your testimony:

What was your life like BEFORE Jesus?
How & why did you decide to start following/trusting in Jesus?
What is your life like NOW, after you’ve started following Jesus?

**Pick 1 or 2 main things in your life/story. People will connect more if they know the 1 or 2 main points rather than a bunch of topics. Especially if/when translated.**
Follow this link for more detailed ideas

Here is an example of a 2 minute Testimony that hits all 3 points above ⬇️

GROWING in Christ

One of the best ways to GROW is to LEAD.

When you coach/teach basketball, you tend to become a better player.

In the same way, through SHOWING and SHARING Christ’s love, we are confident you will become stronger (grow) in your relationship with Him.

NRB defines leadership as “unselfishly serving others while growing closer to the Lord and following His desire for your life.”

While on tour, our desire is to see you GROW in LEADERSHIP by helping you explore and find clarity in:

Knowing WHOSE you are
Knowing WHO you are
Knowing your PURPOSE

Read John 15:1-17 to start exploring these 3 things

#5 CONDUCT

As part of this News Release Basketball Team, it is vital we are on the same page concerning expected personal and team conduct.

We are representatives of both Christ and the community that bears his name (Christians, and therefore News Release Basketball). As such, we must be careful to live in such a way that brings honor to Christ’s name and His family.

We strive to selflessly and humbly serve others through the sport of basketball.

We desire our participants to be actively pursuing a Christ-like lifestyle; including a high level of high integrity on and off the court, on social media, and in every-day interactions.

Therefore, these are some basic guidelines:

We Will:

build Christ-like relationships
stay focused in purpose
celebrate life in Christ

We will-NOT:

socialize exclusively
drink excessively
or party out of control

Also, when making decisions keep the following Biblical principals in mind:

Will it be habit-forming? Will it control me? (1 Cor. 6:12)
Will it lead to excess? (Eph. 5:18)
Will it offend a weaker brother/sister? (Rom. 14:21)
Will it harm the Christian testimony? (Rom 14:16)
Will it be beneficial? (1 Cor. 6:12)
Is it constructive? Will it build others up? (1 Cor. 10:23)
Am I certain that it is right? (Rom. 14:23)
Will it draw me and others closer to Christ?

#6 SMILING PHOTO

Submit a RECENT and SMILING photo for our tour rosters/hand-outs.

#7 TRAVEL & GEAR

Please fill out this form with the important information needed for arranging your TOUR TRAVEL & TOUR GEAR.

#8 INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT

We want to thank you for being a part of the News Release Basketball tour this summer. Your involvement is very important to the vitality of this ministry.

Participation in competitive athletics includes a risk of injury, which may range in severity from minor to serious. Although serious injury and illness are not common in overseas tour participation, it is impossible to totally eliminate this risk. Therefore, News Release Basketball cannot be held liable for injury or illness incurred while on tour.

However, News Release Basketball will do everything possible to minimize these risks. The coaches are trained in first aid, and understand how to teach fundamentals and techniques in order to avoid injury. News Release Basketball directors have many years of tour experience. Activities during the tour will be supervised, and a local contact will be present at games, scrimmages and practices to expedite any care that may be needed from local health services.

In the unusual event that any doctor care or any other medical assistance is needed while on the tour, News Release Basketball carries emergency medical/accident insurance of up to $25,000 per person. If financial reimbursement from our insurance company comes to you for a medical bill that was paid by News Release Basketball on tour, you must turn over that reimbursement to News Release Basketball.

For secondary insurance, or for amounts over the above limit, your insurance information is kept on file. Please indicate the name of your insurance company and policy or group number below.

Also, please provide the name and information for an emergency contact.

#9 TRAVEL PREP

What to Bring

ITEMS YOU WILL RECEIVE FROM NEWS RELEASE BASKETBALL

1 travel bag
1 backpack
2-3 NRB T-shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 hoodie
1 pair of practice/coaching shorts
1 set of game uniform (shorts and top)

These are yours to keep after the tour.

WHAT TO BRING

Most of the time we will dress informally, and will be in gym clothes often, so only take a minimum amount of jeans, shorts, etc.

Some of the teams might be involved in church service. We will dress casual, but nice. Your nicer pants/shorts + the News Release long-sleeve shirt, and your walking shoes are fine.

Tip: pack for 7-8 days and plan to wash somewhere in between or during your first and second location.

VITAL ITEMS
- Passport. (DO NOT pack it in your suitcase! Carry it on hand with you while traveling)
- Bible, notebook, pen (something to take notes)
- Cell phone (check with your carrier to make sure it will work where you are going)
  - With any of your electronics, don’t forget to bring your chargers. And make sure they fit into the European outlets. You may need an adaptor plug. Europeans use a 2-plug outlet, with rounded prongs. Ask at an electronics store, for the correct adaptor. Also, make sure your equipment can run on 220v with your converter. ( WORLD PLUGS – by Country )
- Basketball shoes
- 7-10 T-shirts/sport shirts
- 7-10 gym shorts/practice gear
- Socks and underwear, but limit to a minimal amount
- Walking/running shoes or sandals
- A LIGHT rain jacket
- If you need your ankles taped, or need athletic tape for any other reason, bring your own supply. We will have some athletic tape in each team’s med kit for emergencies, but not enough to accommodate everybody, especially if you tape every day.
  - Any other medical game or practice prep equipment or materials you may need (ankle brace, knee brace, ointments, etc.), bring your own. (We recommend that if you have weak ankles, or you tape, consider using ankle braces. Athletic tape is not used often in Europe and is hard to get).
- Small body towel. Some of the teams will be staying in a school or church for part of the tour, so outside towels may not be readily available
- Any medications if you need them (they will be difficult to obtain while traveling)
- Spending money for gifts, snacks, etc. (depending on your spending habits, $200 to $300 for spending money should do fine….some players get by with less)
- Should you bring cash? credit card? ATM card?
  - This is up to you, based on your personal preference. Many people bring an ATM card. There are ATM machines readily available in Europe.
- Gifts: Look in your closet or drawer for a T-shirt or two that represents you (school shirt, or a shirt with your name on it) that you can give away. If they are in good shape, bring those as gifts, as well as other regional or special trinkets you may want to share. Kids at the camps love to receive gifts from players.
- Swimsuit, or something to jump in the pool with. Some tours may be taking a swim.

Packing Tips

You will only be allowed ONE check-in bag and ONE backpack (the 2 items that we will provide for you).

DO NOT BRING AN EXTRA BAG. We want to be light and mobile, especially when getting around the airports and train stations.

Keep weight well below the 50-lbs (23kg) limit for international travel. News Release Basketball will not pay for excess bags if its your personal stuff.

Do not pack your bag full! Everyone will have responsibility to carry team items (programs, med kit, team gifts, etc.) Half your travel bag will be your stuff, and half will be team gear/gifts. Again, the lighter you travel, the better. Every year, someone says, “I wish I would have packed less.”

Pack one or two days worth of clothing in your CARRY ON bag. (This is in case of any luggage issues upon arrival)

It’s helpful if your clothes are of the drip-dry variety (wash and wear, no ironing needed). Dry-fit materials are great for traveling.

In some of the locations, our hosts offer to do laundry. We don’t want to burden our hosts, but we can take advantage of their generosity. If the opportunity is there, have your clothes washed. If we are not staying with hosts, be prepared to wash by hand.

TEAM INFO

WHAT'S NEXT...

QUESTIONS?

Please submit your
$100 Tour Deposit

NRB Fundraising Flow

Submit a RECENT and SMILING photo for our tour rosters/hand-outs.

Please fill out this form with the important information needed for arranging your TOUR TRAVEL & TOUR GEAR.

Emergency Contact Information

CONTACT US

NRB Fundraising Flow

Submit a RECENT and SMILING photo for our tour rosters/hand-outs.

CONGRATS & WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

TEAM INFO

WHAT'S NEXT...

QUESTIONS?

Please submit your $100 Tour Deposit

NRB Fundraising Flow

Submit a RECENT and SMILING photo for our tour rosters/hand-outs.

Please fill out this form with the important information needed for arranging your TOUR TRAVEL & TOUR GEAR.

Emergency Contact Information

CONTACT US

NRB Fundraising Flow

Submit a RECENT and SMILING photo for our tour rosters/hand-outs.

CONGRATS & WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Please submit your
$100 Tour Deposit