The goal of the National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament (NHIBT) is to provide a forum for Greek Orthodox Americans to convene, cultivate, and nurture personal and professional relationships with other Greek Orthodox Americans both locally and across the nation.
In 2019, the NHIBT had a record-setting 46 teams participate in the tournament. This was made possible by the Hellenic Foundation’s Grant Program. Without the grant, the NHIBT could not achieve their overarching goal of being the tournament of choice for the Hellenic community to compete in and support. It also provided an opportunity for high school boys to attend another Greek Orthodox tournament, the Harry Agganis Basketball Tournament in Lynn, MA.
The tournament is starting back up this year on May 7th-9th and will be following all COVID-19 regulations. The Hellenic Foundation is delighted that their Grant Program has supported many individuals of all ages to come together!
Interview with Dean Manasses: In honor of the 2020 Grant Awards, Peter Valessares, Executive Director of the Hellenic Foundation, met with Dean Manasses, President of NHBIT, to discuss the impact of the basketball program on the Greek American community of Illinois. Watch the full interview above to learn more.
