FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2008
Contact: GinaMarie Scarpa 480-446-7052

“VERVE becomes official energy drink of NABI”

LARGEST ALL NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IN NORTH AMERICA PARTNERS WITH VERVE TO BRING NUTRITIONAL ENERY DRINK TO NATIVE COUNTRY.

Phoenix, AZ - The sixth annual Native American Basketball Invitational tournament presented by Nike and University of Phoenix is in full swing and has a lot to be excited about.
NABI has recently partnered with VERVE, the official drink of the Phoenix Suns, to become the official drink of the NABI. “We are excited to promote an energy drink that has nutritional value in it. Each can of VERVE has 2 oz of the popular liquid vitamin VEMMA and comes in a sugar free version. A healthy alternative to the energy drinks now on the market” says GinaMarie Scarpa Co-founder of NABI.

Since it’s inception NABI founders, who include former Phoenix Suns player and VP of Player Programs Mark West, made a decision to not solicit soda pop companies as sponsors for the tournament due to the age of the community they are serving and the health issues that Native American youth and communities face. “VERVE goes along with our mission to use our tournament to teach the importance of proper nutrition and exercise to the youth NABI serves. It’s a perfect match!” says GinaMarie Scarpa.

NABI will be launching their partnership this April by promoting VERVE at the NIGA “Indian Gaming 08 Trade Show and Convention” in San Diego and at special VERVE events at the NABI games.

NABI Basketball is scheduled to take place July 21-25 with the championship games played at US Airway Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, Saturday July 26. This year marks the 6th year NABI Basketball has been in place and the second year NABI will apply for NCAA certification. Since its inception, NABI has created numerous college scholarship opportunities for Native American athletes and has become one of the biggest all Native tournaments in the North America.

Other sponsors include: Ak-Chin Indian Community, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Soboba Tribe of Luiseno Indians, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Diamondbacks, The Native Voice, Arizona Republic, Navajo Times, Arizona Native Scene, US Airway Center and 21Native.com

For more information on NABI, how to become a NABI sponsor and/or how to get VERVE in your community log on to www.NABIHOOPS.com or email gmsmabry@NABIHoops.com