PAPEETE (Tahiti) - Tahiti continues to expand its Basketball at Schools program targeting more youth and schools to promote the development and growth of basketball in-country.

The Tahiti Basketball Federation have shifted their Mini Basketball activities into high gear following their participation in the FIBA Foundation's Mini Basketball Virtual Seminar and receiving over 150 Molten basketballs. 

In partnership with the French Federation of Basketball, the FIBA Foundation, and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the National Federation will conduct 10 to 12 sessions in three schools namely Erima, Ahutoru, and Maehaanui. The new initiative is aimed at bringing the game closer to young aspirants.

"We are grateful to our partners for giving us the tools and support needed for us to be able to continue Basketball at Schools which is an important grassroots program for our federation," shared National Basketball Development Officer, Arii Meuel.

Aside from the introductory basketball clinics, every session will be highlighted by a 3x3 tournament among the participants.

“It’s our goal to introduce basketball to more schools. Hopefully, we can also find gems to start assembling potential young teams. We are eyeing to engage kids to respective ball clubs for further training and development,” said Tahiti national team coach Arii Meuel.

Tahiti last year already kickstarted the program with a one-stop event under an Intramurals-type format featuring over 400 kids that resulted in a rousing success, paving way for a staple and larger program this time.

More than the young hoopers though, teachers will also be given a written handbook regarding drills, techniques, and systems to be discussed in the “Basketball in Schools” program for them to study and apply in the process.

"We have developed curriculums for schools for them to be able to include basketball into their physical education subjects. The goal is to have more schools involved and in turn, more kids playing the game," Meuel shared.

The Basketball at Schools program is also broadening its reach by providing officiating and coaching that were also be tackled during the sessions.

The key Basketball For Good aspect of the program is to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for the youth to learn the game while also educating the participants with positive social messaging in regards to health and gender equality.

Interested individuals and academic institutions can register online through the Ministry of Education of Tahiti.

About Mini Basketball:

The FIBA Foundation’s Mini Basketball program is a global Basketball For Good initiative to improve health and well-being of 5-12 year old children and to fight physical inactivity and childhood obesity. It is an inclusive grassroots basketball movement addressed to girls and boys and their parents and uses fun & game based learning. Please contact us if you want to know more about our programs or if you are interested to work with us.

FIBA