Education and basketball go hand in hand in the Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO - With the participation of 32 teams and with 384 players lodged at the Olympic Hostel, the Dominican Basketball Federation (FEDOMBAL) celebrated this month its men’s U16 national championship with the motto: “sports and education go hand in hand.”

The tournament was dominated by the Distrito Nacional team, who were crowned champions after an easy victory against the San Cristóbal squad (85-62), in a game that took place at Club Mauricio Báez's sports installations in the Villa Juana sector. The competition was dedicated to the Minister of Education, Andrés Navarro, who pointed out the importance of keeping education and sports aligned for the development of youth.

“I would first like to say that I feel honored by receiving this dedication of the U16 national tournament of athletes that are still of school age (high school), which has a lot to do with the human development of these guys.”

“Sports and studies go hand in hand, and the youth must understand that these two can't be separated until they arrive at the conclusion of the goals they have decided to reach. You must be professional in the discipline you practice and in your (career to) obtain an academic title,” said the government representative.

“We're committed to basketball since school years, (this is the) sport that’s practiced the most in our country at the school level,” Navarro explained. He also made a commitment to give scholarships to the members of the youth basketball national teams.

Meanwhile, the President of FEDOMBAL, Rafael Uribe, expressed his gratitude for Navarro's work toward the wellbeing of education and children in the Dominican society. “You're part of us, Mr. Minister. You're one of our directives, make yourself at home,” said Uribe, who visited the Minister's office with the members of the U15 national team — and Centrobasket 2018 champions — to make the recognition.

Young player Rey Abad Martínez was named U16’s MVP as the absolute leader in rebounds with 83; Jean Montero, from Distrito Nacional, led in scores with an overall number of 157 points and 38 assists. Coach Lainer Segura, from San Cristóbal, received a recognition for Most Outstanding Coach.

This event is the first step to choosing the shortlist that will represent the Dominican Republic at the U17 Centrobasket that will take place in Puerto Rico during the month of July and will award three spots for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2020.

FIBA