A Global Ripple from a Swiss 3×3 Event
Since its inception, the FIBA Open has evolved from a modest 3×3 competition in Switzerland into a fundraising engine that channels support into grassroots basketball projects worldwide. In 2025 the tournament expanded its scope, directing resources toward a Brazilian initiative that uses sport as a catalyst for social change.
At the heart of this effort is Mudando o Placar, a non‑profit founded by Layana de Souza in 2022. The organization operates in Rocinha, a densely populated hillside neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, where inadequate housing and limited recreational facilities have long constrained youth opportunities.
In November 2025, MOP organized a 3×3 tournament that brought together 20 teams and 48 games, weaving together health workshops, gender‑equality sessions and partnership building. Certified psychologists and psychology students from UNISUAM led mental‑health discussions, embedding well‑being into the competitive format.
The event’s budget covered referees, music, medals, basketballs, branded bracelets and t‑shirts, snacks, meals and a vibrant graffiti activation that turned the court into a canvas for local artists. These investments directly advanced Sustainable Development Goals related to health, gender equality and collaborative partnerships.
Layana de Souza attended the FIBA Open 2025 to amplify her project’s visibility, and she introduced a family‑oriented tournament inspired by the event’s Family Category, encouraging multi‑generational participation.
Looking ahead, the FIBA Open will return to Mies, Switzerland, on June 20‑21, 2026, offering categories from under‑10 to over‑40, including Wheelchair and Special Olympics divisions, promising an even broader impact.