BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The Ball'In Schools program was held in Qatar from 27 August to 4 September, continuing its expanding reach throughout Asia..

Ball'In Schools is a grassroots basketball development project that aims to help plant the seeds of love for the game of basketball at a young age, especially in schools. In previous years, Ball'In Schools programs were held in Bhutan, Laos, and Oman, which were well-received in each respective country. Earlier this year, Ball'In Schools was also organized in Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Palestine. 

On the left QBF Secretary General Mr. Saadoun Al Kuwari with coach Nemanja Bjedov

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've learned and take the initiative further to introduce or raise awareness.

The event was held from 27-30 August for men and 1-4 September for women.

Saadoun Al Kuwari, QBF Secretary General, said: "Qatar Basketball Federation is always welcoming new programs which will help us to share the knowledge for the game of basketball. Ball'In Schools program was extremely successful and we believe all attendees acquired the tools to teach basketball, especially to the children, the correct way."

Nasser Ali, a participant of the program, said "It was a great experience to be part of a program like Ball In Schools. It is not just a standard coaching program but a series of lessons about basketball in total. It has immediate application especially to the young children which we want them to enjoy basketball."

The idea behind Ball'In Schools is the empowerment of local ambassadors to have a self-sustainable grassroots development program. Having more players and increasing the demand for basketball on its own should be the driver of the program to lead to long-term growth of basketball.

FIBA