Recap 2025: From the Paper Dome to São Paulo
Femke Akerboom | Events
“2025 was not only an amazing year, but also a hectic one. The dust clouds of the World Tour had not even settled at the end of 2024, and we already had to start preparing for the 2025 edition, which took place in June. We only had six months to make everything happen.
“That was not the only challenge. With the NDSM site we also had a new location, we had to build the venue ourselves, worked together with Urban Sports Week Amsterdam, and integrated the 3x3 Women’s Series. I still get goosebumps when I think about that weekend, it was so cool. Besides top-level basketball, there was an amazing atmosphere, we had great side events and cool clinics, and our own 3X3 Leaders once again played an important role.
“Personally, the first Pro League in Haarlem was also a highlight for me. It had always been a dream: to organize a basketball event in my own city. For six months I lobbied to convince the municipality to invest in a sports event on the Grote Markt. The municipality agreed, permits were arranged, and partners were found. Never stop dreaming. Speak your dreams out loud and make them come true!”
Dušan Jocić | Content
“In terms of content, we pushed our boundaries again in 2025. We really created some great things that we are very proud of. A good example is the 15-minute documentary we made at the beginning of the year about the 2024 3X3 FIBA World Tour. The premiere took place during the partner event.
“It was not only very cool to make the documentary. It also clearly showed what we as 3X3 Unites stand for. Our own 3X3 Leaders were featured. They talked about how they see the World Tour and why the event is important to them. The documentary showed that we are proud of what we stand for.
“In addition, I was allowed to give the kick-off workshop ‘video editing’ for the 3X3 Unites Academy. That was also a highlight. I heard from several young people that they joined the workshop because I was giving it and because they like my videos. That was heartwarming to hear and reminded me why we do what we do at 3X3 Unites: to make an impact on the lives of young people.”
Lotte Toornstra | Intern
“2025 was the year I started my internship at 3X3 Unites, from September to be exact. For my studies in applied psychology, I am doing research on the office culture of 3X3 Unites. The organization has grown so fast that it is important to look at how it is structured and how different teams work together, among other things.
“I am really enjoying myself. I have done the exploratory interviews and also completed the 3X3 Leader Course and the 3X3 Mentor Course myself. In addition, I am getting more and more responsibility within the organization. For example, together with Maxi I was allowed to think about how to organize the team day. I was responsible for the energizers in the morning.
“On a personal level, a dream also came true. This year I made my debut in the Dutch 5-on-5 national basketball team. In the summer I played my first minutes in a friendly international match, and in November I played in the European Championship qualification against Estonia. What I want to tell young people: I was never the biggest talent, but I am proof that with hard work and investing in yourself, you can make it.”
Melissa ‘t Jong | Education
“2025 was the year in which we as 3X3 Unites took big steps in the structure around the education programs we offer. That may not be the sexiest topic, but it is very important. Think about measuring the impact we make, administrative tasks, setting up a good archive, and much more. Because of this, the quality has increased and we have become more professional.
“In addition, our visit to Stichting Acreditar in São Paulo was truly a highlight. In the colorful but raw favelas of the Brazilian metropolis, we shared our expertise and helped set up training programs to empower young people and educate them to become role models.
“It was also a moment of reflection for myself. Only when I was there and stepped out of my daily bubble did I realize how much I have learned over the past years and what I can teach others. I want to continue doing that in the coming year. A few weeks ago, the training program for trainers started. I am very happy about that: it gives our 3X3 Leaders even more opportunities and prospects to grow.”
Jaimy Jacott | Paper Dome
“The opening of the Paper Dome was very special this year. I am proud that, as a young person from the Bijlmer, I was able to help think about the design and purpose of the Paper Dome. I have since completed my 3X3 Leader Course and I am now responsible for communication and promotion of the Paper Dome.
“The Paper Dome is very important for young people in the Bijlmer. It is an indoor location where young people can develop themselves and come together. Free of charge. A place like this did not exist before. The Paper Dome brings bright colors, positivity, life, and joy to the Bijlmer. It is a place by and for young people.
“My highlight was the Urban Sports Challenge in the Paper Dome. For four days we exchanged ideas and talked with young people from Bielefeld and Antwerp about developing your own public space and strengthening your network. They looked at things from a different perspective and came up with different solutions. It was really cool. Honestly, I never expected that I would ever experience something like this in the Bijlmer.”