SPIRE Institute & Academy in Geneva, OH Partners With NBA Legend & International Humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo

GENEVA, Ohio, Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- An investment group, led by Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Dikembe Mutombo, has finalized an investment in the SPIRE Institute & Academy in Geneva, Ohio. Mutombo will join the team as a strategic partner in helping SPIRE continue its growth and recognition in the international community.

SPIRE is a premier international high school and post graduate sports performance training and education academy. Located just outside of Cleveland in Geneva, Ohio, SPIRE is an established world-class event and wellness complex that seeks to inspire the best expression of the human spirit through athletics, academics and service to others. SPIRE's top-tier academy facility is located on a campus of more than 500 acres. With over 800,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled facilities under roof, SPIRE is the largest indoor multi-sport, training, education and competition complex in North America.

Mutombo's involvement will serve a strategic purpose of continuing to elevate SPIRE in becoming the premier training institute in the world – working with the best faculty, trainers and educators in the industry. Mutombo's group will work with SPIRE to attract and secure international talent and expand the Academy's global reach with an enhanced focus on the continent of Africa. As well, Mutombo will work closely with SPIRE to partner with global entities to provide sponsorships that will aid student athletes across the globe, enabling student athletes and most dedicated youth to experience the full benefits of SPIRE.

Dikembe Mutombo explains, "As someone for whom sports has created significant opportunities, it has been my dream to help create opportunities for other young athletes. SPIRE realizes our dream to help athletes not only develop excellence on the court or field, but develop the heart, mind and soul as well. SPIRE Academy is perfectly positioned and equipped to offer this kind of holistic enrichment for young men and women as they develop their athletic potential and grander potential as human beings. We are genuinely excited for this investment and partnership with SPIRE."

SPIRE managing partner, Jonathan Ehrenfeld, shared, "Dikembe's long-established record and accolades as an athlete and humanitarian are the essentials of what we want to role model for our SPIRE student athletes. These young students are already making tremendous sacrifices to be the best in their respective fields. We give them the best building blocks in personal and athletic skills development, from our state-of-the-art facilities, to our world-renowned coaches and faculty. SPIRE strives to provide access to limitless opportunities as we focus on college placement, career and community development, emulating Dikembe's legacy of care and contribution to the world around us. This partnership will allow us to build bridges and strengthen ties with our global partners and supercharge the values at the heart of the SPIRE Way."

Athletes hold a tremendous power to influence many cultures across the world, and those who make significant contributions to society usually start with rich mentorship and meaningful and diverse education opportunities. SPIRE provides these crucial elements to its student base, and Dikembe Mutombo's influence and impact will further accelerate this effort.

About SPIRE
SPIRE Institute & Academy is a comprehensive academic, athletic, personal skills and career development experience located within a world class event and wellness complex. Constructed on nearly 500 acres with more than 750,000 sq. ft. under roof, SPIRE (http://www.spireinstitute.org) encompasses four divisions: SPIRE Academy, an accredited college preparatory international boarding school and multi-sport/specialty training and development academy for 9-12 graders and a post grad program; SPIRE Institute, the research and development arm studying performance improvement across multiple disciplines; SPIRE Events, a facility and team that hosts local, national and international tournaments and events with the NCAA, the Big East, Big Ten and Atlantic 10 conferences, Olympic trials and world championship qualifiers; and SPIRE Fit, a community membership-based fitness, swim and health center open to the public. Sports currently featured on campus include swimming, track and field, basketball, esports, drone racing and wrestling.

About American Ventures
A private, international development and consulting firm and parent entity to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, American Ventures (AMVA) utilizes its global network of social, political and business relationships in order to develop and further enhance industry opportunities that strengthen new and developing technologies, industries, products and services. AVMA empowers organizations and like-minded people to contribute to a better world. The organization helps international development practitioners expand their reach and impact through monitoring and evaluation, proposal and communications support, and consulting and training. AMVA is proud to provide customized and creative solutions. To learn more, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] or visit DMF.org for more information about getting involved with our movement.

Media Contact

Richard Hoffman, AVMA, 602-373-4479, [email protected]

SOURCE SPIRE Institute & Academy