CHANDLER, AZ – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) joined tribal leaders, community members, and partners at the 13th Annual NABI Founders Golf Classic at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass on the lands of the Gila River Indian Community, in a day centered on community, youth, and the lasting legacy of Ernie Stevens, Jr.
Chairman Stevens’ legacy with NABI was long standing. He was a former Chairman of the NABI Board of Directors and continued as a mentor and advisor to the organization.
During the event, organizers announced that the tournament will now be known as the Ernie Stevens, Jr. Memorial Golf Classic. The change reflects Chairman Stevens’ lifelong commitment to Native youth and his belief in creating opportunities for the next generation to grow, compete, and lead.
Hosted in partnership with the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI), the tournament continues to raise support for the Ernie Stevens, Jr. Legacy Basketball Court and the NABI College Scholarship Fund, helping expand access and opportunity for Native youth across the country.
Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis welcomed participants to the Community and shared reflections on Chairman Stevens’ impact. “We are honored to host this gathering on our homelands,” said Governor Lewis. “Chairman Stevens showed us what it means to stand up for our people and to lead with purpose. His spirit is still with us and today is about carrying that forward for our communities and our young people.”
IGA Chairman David Z. Bean thanked the Gila River Indian Community and NABI for bringing people together in support of youth and opportunity.
“This day means a lot to all of us,” said Chairman Bean. “We are grateful to Governor Lewis and the Gila River Indian Community for welcoming us. What we are doing here is about our kids. It is about giving them a chance to be seen, to compete, and to find their path. Chairman Stevens believed in that, and we are going to keep showing up and doing that work in his name.”
Chairman Bean also pointed to the impact NABI has had over the years in opening doors for Native youth, including exposure to college programs and new opportunities that extend far beyond the court. He also offered his appreciation to Gina Marie Scarpa, Mark West, and the entire NABI team for their years of dedication in building a program that continues to uplift Native youth and families across Indian Country.
Brandon Stevens spoke on behalf of the Stevens family and reflected on his father’s deep connection to youth and athletics. “My father believed in our young people,” said Stevens. “He believed in creating opportunities and in showing up for our communities. This is what he stood for. This is about our kids and helping them grow into strong leaders. We are grateful to everyone who continues to support that vision.”
The tournament brought together tribal leaders, industry partners, and supporters for a day of fellowship and purpose. Proceeds will support the construction of the Ernie Stevens, Jr. Legacy Basketball Court and help grow scholarship opportunities through NABI programming.
The Indian Gaming Association’s participation reflects its ongoing focus on supporting Native youth, strengthening communities, and recognizing the leaders who helped establish tribal government gaming. The newly named Ernie Stevens, Jr. Memorial Golf Classic stands as a lasting tribute to a leader who believed deeply in the power of opportunity and the promise of the next generation.
