ST. GEORGE'S (Grenada) — The Grenada National Basketball Association (GNBA) is committed to carrying forward a series of strategic plans to ensure that their basketball continues to grow in the tri-island area of the islands of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

So stated their Technical Director, Kester Elcock, to FIBA.basketball. Among the impacted areas are Mini Basketball, the 3x3, and the youth categories.

“In an effort to ensure mini basketball gets a head start we've set up a number of mini basketball Jamboree in partnership with The Grenada Private Primary Association,” explained Elcock in written declarations. “The first jamboree was held on Friday, May 31 at the Carenage Sporting Complex where 83 Students from 5 to 12 years were introduced to mini basketball. Fifteen volunteers who were former junior and senior national players gave the young boys and girls instructions in the FUNdamentals of the game.”

Elcock also mentioned the joint efforts of the Federation with other governments to obtain resources to work in the development areas.

The U10 players were able to participate due to some equipment that was procured from the Grenada Olympic Committee via PASO Funding. The GNBA was able to purchase two Portable game clocks, two shot clocks, two backboard adaptors some mini basketballs and train bibs all of which will be used for all 5v5 national championships, all FIBA 3X3 Championships, and mini basketball activities,” said Elcock.

Several of these initiatives arise from the Federation’s staff in the FIBA Mini Basketball Congress that took place earlier this year in Mexico. According to Grenada’s Technical Director, it was an eye-opening experience to the tendencies and practices of the rest of the world, and brought him closer to the rest of the Americas’ and CBC staff, “it highlighted what needs done to ensure that mini basketball becomes a staple in the basketball culture of Grenada.”

The Federation ensured that their focus is on the development of youth through the 3x3 modality, a venture that continued this week with the celebration of a Father’s Day tournament. This activity seeks, among other things, to reinforce family values through sports.

“In an attempt to continue the growth of 3x3 basketball, the GNBA has partnered with the Grenada Child Protection Authority for Father's Day 3x3 Championship,” Elcock sustained. “Ten of the nation's teams comprising junior and senior players will compete in the one-day activity geared at bridging the gap among the nation's youth and fathers. We've also Partnered with the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce to stage the inaugural Inter-Sector 3x3 Championship which will commence in September.”

Grenada is preparing to celebrate national tournaments and expose their best talent to the highest level of competition in the zone.

“Our focus going forward is youth basketball. Staging the U18 3x3 National Championship in both male and female categories. We've already signed our letter of intent to have both genders at the 2020 CBC 3X3 Championship. National U15, U17, U19, and U21 development championship are key areas to ensure the sustainability of basketball in the tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.”

FIBA