Global Ballers runs free basketball camps for refugee and immigrant youth, building confidence, friendship, and a place to belong.
For a kid who just arrived in a new country, everything is unfamiliar. New school, new language, new everything. But a basketball court speaks a language everyone already knows. That's where we come in.
Global Ballers runs free camps for refugee and immigrant kids across Denver and Aurora. No fees, no gear to buy, no barrier to walk through. Just real coaching, a team to be part of, and a reason to keep showing up. We want every kid who comes through to feel like they belong here, because they do.
"We didn't choose to leave our homelands. But we can still do something, achieve something." — Yusra Mardini
"I've got the game, the languages, and a community that raised me. I want to put all of it to work for the kids who need it most."
My name is Evo Montoya-Chang, and I've been playing basketball since I was six. I'm Taiwanese, Mexican, Indigenous American, and Caucasian, and I grew up speaking English, Chinese, and Spanish. A lot of my own family are immigrants, so I've always felt close to what these kids are going through.
I started Global Ballers because I wanted to use what I have, my game, my languages, and the people around me, to lift up underprivileged and newcomer youth in my community. So many refugee and immigrant kids love sports but have no way in. Their parents are still finding their footing, and nobody's showing these kids the door. I wanted to be the one who opens it.
For me this is bigger than basketball. It's about contributing to my community however I can, and bringing people together who might never have crossed paths otherwise. I ran my first camp in 2022 and sent every kid home with their own gear. We're just getting started.
Refugee and immigrant families arrive carrying so much, and facing isolation, language barriers, and few ways for their kids to just be kids. Sport is one of the fastest paths back to belonging.
"We are not only refugees. We are like everyone in the world. We can do something, achieve something."Yusra Mardini · Olympic swimmer & refugee
Newcomer families often can't navigate how to get their kids onto teams or into gyms. We open that door, completely free.
The court gives kids somewhere positive to put their energy, build friendships, and stay grounded as they grow up.
On the court, language isn't a barrier. Kids connect instantly, find mentors, and feel at home in a new place.
Every camp is led by professional trainers and players who actually show up for these kids. Skills, scrimmages, teamwork, and a meal together, all designed to develop the whole player and send them home feeling seen.
Real reps and real coaching from trainers who've played at high levels.
Everyone eats together. Camp ends as a community, not just a clinic.
Kids leave with their own basketball and gear. 120+ donated so far.
Past and present, every coach and trainer here pours real time into this. They don't have to. They do it anyway.
Our biggest camp yet is happening over Thanksgiving week. More kids, more coaches, more donations, more impact. Two days to welcome refugee and immigrant youth across Denver and Aurora and send them home with something to be thankful for.
The energy, the smiles, the community. Press play.
Every dollar goes straight into basketballs, gear, gym time, meals, and free camps for the youth who need it most.
Global Ballers is founder-run and not yet a registered 501(c)(3), so contributions aren't tax-deductible right now. Every cent goes to the kids and the camps.
A charity is only as strong as the community behind it. Whether you want to coach, volunteer, donate gear, or just spread the word, we'd love to hear from you.