The IBF Youth Leadership Seminar in Singapore on June 22 to 24 witnessed a successful gathering of 16 Youth Leaders from 15 different countries. The workshop’s aim was to give the young leaders the tools to run 3x3 Tournaments as well as develop their leadership skills.

SINGAPORE -- Fear of the unknown is a natural state of feeling when faced with an unfamiliar situation, and that is what Sunleang Dy of Cambodia faced when she was accepted to the International Basketball Federation (IBF) Youth Leadership Seminar in Singapore.

Dy, more fondly called "Ella", is the first to admit that she was fairly new to basketball and lacked the necessary knowledge in its rules and intricacies. But despite the disadvantage, she was able to make the most of this seminar to immerse herself and learn about leadership and the sport.

"I didn't have any involvement with basketball before but my cousin plays basketball and she was also a referee. I wanted to have more experience so I applied as an intern for the Cambodia Basketball Federation," said the 23-year old.

Dy shared that she quickly fell in love with basketball because of the way the sport promotes teamwork, cooperation, and communication. The French Literature major student was also inspired by the commitment and passion of the youth players in Cambodia.

"There are younger people than me who plays basketball and also have different roles such as coaches, referees, table officials. It inspired me to help out and I am very happy to get involved with our programs," Dy said.

Youth Leaders

Dy was very ecstatic and passionate in sharing that she enjoyed the company of her peers in the seminar.

"This seminar was an amazing experience! Despite our different backgrounds, everyone showed respect for one another. I also love how we were only together for a few days but it felt like we knew each other for a long time already." Dy beamingly shared.

"I am really looking forward to meeting everybody again in Bali and hope to see everyone there," she added.

A leader in her own right

Despite her basketball inexperience, Dy's leadership capabilities were never in question. When the Youth Leaders were studying the 3x3 Event Maker, which is FIBA’s free software and official tournament management tool for all FIBA-endorsed 3x3 events, she was one of the first to complete the task.

Instead of just waiting for the other youth leaders to finish, she went out of her way and helped a few other young leaders who needed extra assistance. The patience showed by the Cambodian was impressive to say the least, she was exceptionally mature in teaching and letting them learn by themselves.

Some people would have tried to do it themselves and deny the other young leaders the chance to learn more, but with her patience she was able to help her co-leaders grow.

At that moment she embodied what everyone predominantly shared was the best learning they had regarding leadership; it's not being special or doing everything yourself but helping others shine.

Dy echoed the sentiments of her colleagues and confirmed it by discussing what she thought was the best lesson they received during the workshop.

"What I learned here about being a leader is that it's not about talking the loudest but doing your job responsively and seriously. You have to inspire the people around you, it's not about me, but helping others realize their potential," Dy shared.

3x3 Basketball

In the 3x3 tournament, I saw how Dy made herself effective as a court marshal. The other youth leaders were very active with the rules, score tables and results, she was unsure at first, but moments later, in the corner of the gym, there was a good crowd gathering.

It was Dy organizing a mini-shootout competition for the young kids who were nervous before the games. I saw how she helped turn shy and nervous kids to exuberant and excited players waiting for their turn.

In what was probably a chaotic situation from her perspective, she focused on the things that she could do to help everyone.

Dy proved that you don't need to be an expert in something to make a difference. She may have less technical proficiency in basketball than her peers, but her innate ability to make decisions and adjust to different situations will surely help her run the 3x3 tournament in Cambodia.

"Before coming over here I was nervous because I didn't know too much about basketball. But my fears and apprehensions disappeared quickly. Everyone was welcoming and very helpful with one another," she shared. "I might be only 70 percent ready for the tournament but I am the type of person that wants to be better every day. I will do my best to prepare a good tournament for my country.”