MUNICH - FIBA Europe and Tina Charles, through her foundation, Hopey's Heart Foundation will see Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), mandatory in all EuroLeague Women arenas for the 2015-16 season.

AEDs can help increase the chances of saving the lives of people, should they experience sudden cardiac arrest, a cause very close to Charles, as she explained to a meeting of EuroLeague Women General Managers which took place during the EuroLeague Women Final Four.

The Fenerbahce center's aunt, Maureen 'Hopey' Vaz passed away in March 2013 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest and not having immediate adequate emergency assistance. Following the traumatic experience, Charles was spurred to take action, by forming the foundation.

"People ask me why I want to do this and provide every team and I tell them that I think the best joy of humility is to put the interest of others over yourself," explained Charles.

"I believe changing policy will save lives."

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike anybody at any time, regardless of their health. Unfortunately, this has been documented on more than one occasion of late with athletes suffering sudden cardiac arrest, and then tragically passing away as a result of no AED being available.

So far, Hopey's Heart Foundation has donated AEDs to numerous sports organisations, primarily in North America. Now Charles, who spends her winters playing in Europe, wishes, with the assistance of FIBA Europe, to see AEDs become part of every sports team’s medical equipment.

"I commend Tina Charles for all of the great work she does through Hopey's Heart Foundation," commented FIBA Europe President Turgay Demirel. "Tina is a fantastic example of a basketball player making a difference on and off the court, and this project is a welcome contribution to our efforts to provide the safest possible playing environment for our athletes."

"I was extremely touched by the passion in which this young athlete has taken to this cause," added FIBA Regional Director Europe, Kamil Novak. "The health of our players is always at the forefront of our mission and through this joint initiative with Charles and her Foundation, we would like to raise the awareness of the importance in preventing death, should the correct medical equipment be on hand."

FIBA