MINSK - All 16 participating teams at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 on Monday gathered to enhance their understanding of key issues such as fair play and integrity, including anti-doping.

The sessions encouraged the interaction between players of different nations and finished with a quiz to test their knowledge during the tournament's first rest day.

FIBA Ambassadors Tatyana Troina, of Belarus, and Finland's Tiina Sten - a members of the innovative TIME-OUT initiative - led the workshop and shared their own experiences which resonated well with the players.

"It was really cool to meet some professional players and I’m thankful for the opportunity," said Japan's Maya Sophia McArthur.

"I had a little prior knowledge but this was more in-depth and more informative which was good for me and my team-mates to learn. People who have the experience and done much more than I can imagine can tell us from their own experiences.

"From our perspective, we can relate more on a personal level as they know what they're talking about so we sit back and listen."

Cameron Brink, of USA, added: "The information we learnt was really helpful, presented in a fun way and everyone was engaged. It was really cool to inter-mingle with some of the other countries - we all laughed together and it was a good bonding experience."

The workshop also looked at respect, violence, betting and the athletes' responsibilities when it comes to anti-doping.

As useful as it was for the players, it was rewarding for Troina and Sten too.

"We have had very good feedback from the players and the coaching staff. It was an informal talk and we wanted to show the players that we are the same [as them], just a little older," Troina said.

"Things I know now I wish I knew earlier in my career as it could have made a big difference so it's really important to have a workshop like this."

Sten added: "It's important to let the players make their own decisions but to make suggestions and try to gently lead in the right direction."

FIBA