Maldives continue grassroots development with back-to-back Ball'In Schools clinics

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Maldives received another big boost to its basketball grassroots development following back-to-back clinics by Ball'In Schools.

The program kick-started in the Maldivian capital of Male last 29 April-2 May, with Coach Nemanha Bedov spearheading the sessions made possible by the FIBA Regional Office-Asia and the Maldives Basketball Association.

Ball'In Schools then went to Kulhudhuffushi last 4-7 May to conclude what was yet another successful promotion of the game in the archipelago.

"The main objective of this program was to provide extensive support to federations in their efforts to integrate and enhance basketball within the physical education curriculum nationwide," said Ali Mohamed.

"This ground-breaking initiative emerged from the recognition of common challenges faced by various countries in this regard. I think this objective was fully recognized and achieved by the program," he added.

Participants such as Mohamed Riyaz felt fulfilled with the overall experience. "I gained so much and really enjoyed the practical activities, which gave us theopportunity to apply what we learned in theory," he said.

"I feel that it was well worth the time," he furthered. "I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking to coach basketball to kids."

Another attendee in Ahmed Ali, meanwhile, hopes to take part in more sessions in the future.

"Coach did a great job of creating a friendly tone that keeps us interested and alert enough to absorb the information. My advice is to conduct more sessions so that we can gain more knowledge from an experienced coach like him," he said.

Founded by the FIBA Regional Office-Asia, Ball'In Schools is a grassroots development project that aims to help plant the seeds of love for the game of basketball at a young age, especially in schools.

The program addresses the current and common challenges that slow down the development of basketball, such as the insufficient presence of the sport in schools; the absence of age groups competitions and tournaments, or the low quality of basketball infrastructure and limited accessibility.

Ball'In Schools does so by empowering local ambassadors with a program to push for basketball in schools.

These programs are trained by experts selected by the FIBA Regional Office Asia, where the ambassadors use what they have learned and then take the initiative further to introduce or raise awareness.

FIBA