WINDHOEK (Namibia)  - There was cause for significant celebration in the Namibian capital after hundreds of children enjoyed a hugely successful second FIBA Mini Basketball Africa event.

Taking part on Friday-Saturday in the country's capital of Windhoek, the participants - aged between 5 and 12 years old - were all treated to a clinic to hone their skills, with the emphasis firmly on the concept of having fun through the learning process. 

The children were also handed a basketball each by FIBA Africa President Hamane Niang, with the gifts donated by FIBA global partner, Molten.

Organized as a joint initiative by the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) in collaboration with the Namibian Basketball Federation and FIBA Africa, the impact is likely to be considerable.

Andrew Masonga, President of Namibian Basketball Federation, said: "We're really grateful that the IBF and FIBA granted us this opportunity to host this Mini Basketball Convention. It has impacted the Namibian community very positively, as the experts and delegates shared amazing tools on how to foster Mini Basketball.

"We will now engage the local coaches who participated in the Convention to start up Mini Basketball programs in schools and create a community that can train other trainers."

Mr Niang said: "I once again salute the IBF for their global campaign of promoting Mini Basketball. It was an honor to once again be present after being in Ifrane, Morocco, and now in Windhoek, Namibia.

"The Namibian Basketball Federation did a wonderful job of hosting this prestigious event and I hope they will continue on this path of promoting Mini Basketball. It was great having delegates present from 16 different African countries who now have the responsibility of developing this movement in their respective countries. I would like to thank the experts who shared their immense knowledge with all delegates.

There was also a life skills workshop which was facilitated by those who have benefited from another IBF project in the country, namely those who attend the Basketball Artists School.

It was not only the children who enjoyed the event, with more than 80 delegates from 18 countries across the African region participating in a coaches' clinic and convention.

The objective was to ensure that the Mini Basketball Movement can gain further momentum thanks to coaches that have the skills and best practice knowledge to take things forward in their respective nations.

FIBA