During the FIBA 3X3 World Tour Amsterdam, 3X3 Unites is not only about top sports, but also about the social impact the foundation makes. Not only the best 3x3 basketball players in the world, but also the new 3X3 Leaders were put in the spotlight.

After each session, the court was cleared. In front of the packed stands, the 3X3 Leaders who had completed the 3X3 Leader Course were presented with their diplomas. From the audience there was not only massive applause but also cheers. 'They had to work hard for it, so they earned this,' shouted the MC as the 3X3 Leaders held their diploma in the air.

'It was really cool to be honored on the very highest stage,' said Micha Doornkamp. The 15-year-old 3X3 Leader was one of more than a hundred 3X3 Leaders who received their diploma during the World Tour Amsterdam. He looked back with a good feeling on the eight-week 3X3 Leader Course, in which young people are introduced to 3x3 as a sport and as a tool, learn how to build a community, become role models, coach positively and organize a local event.

'I didn't know the rules of 3x3 before, but now I do,' Micha says proudly. 'In addition, I learned how to deal with different age groups. For example, you give small children simpler exercises than adults. Also, you say different things to them to motivate them than to adults.'

In addition, he says he built a network. 'I live in a place where not much basketball is played. But through the 3X3 Leader Course, I built a network within 3x3 basketball. Now I play a lot more on the street.'

Another 3X3 Leader who was presented with his diploma is Mars Wagenaar. The 15-year-old 3X3 Leader not only derived pleasure from playing basketball with others, but also learned how to take ownership and organize a local event. "At the end of the course, we held our own 3x3 tournament in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood. There were more than 30 people there. It was really cool.

After being honored on the court, Mars shows his diploma, certified by NOC*NSF, at the level 2 instructor training. 'Now that we have the diploma, we also get paid,' he says with a smile on his face. 'I'm still in school, but this is my side job.'

The 3X3 Leader knows one thing for sure: he wants to work even more at 3X3 Unites from now on. 'I learned a lot during the 3X3 Leader Course and I want to pass that on to others on the court in my neighborhood,' he says. 'Besides, I think it would be fun to teach at an elementary school, for example.'

With their diploma in their pocket, Micha and Mars lingered for a while at the World Tour Amsterdam Masters. 'It's really cool that we get to be here and see the best 3x3 basketball players in the world,' Micha said.

Literally: from the streets to the top!