Ball’In Schools officially launches second leg in Laos following successful pilot in Bhutan

VIENTIANE (Laos) - One of the most important processes to basketball development is to build a strong sense of love for the game, most effectively done at the grassroots level. After a successful launch in Bhutan, Ball’In School continues to do so in its mission to start a strong foundation for basketball across Asia by holding its second leg in Vientiane, Laos.

The course was delivered over the span of four days from October 19-22, in which selected ambassadors participated in interactive, hands-on learning experience with WABC member and FIBA Coach Instructor, Michael Haynes.

FIBA Regional Office Asia - National Federation and Sport department initiated the Ball'In Schools program to focus on introducing basketball in countries where the sport is still in its introductory phase. In these countries, there are situations where the low quality or insufficient presence of basketball in schools, the lack of PE teachers with proper basketball coaching education, or plainly little interest and awareness in the sport. By addressing these issues at the grassroots level as is with the Ball-In Schools program, the development of basketball in a given country can receive a much needed boost.

By selecting Ball'In Schools ambassadors that worked closely with the aforementioned Haynes, it was possible to expose the game and make it more attractive to a younger generation. The selected ambassadors were asked to take the initiative to introduce and raise awareness among the youngsters in schools around the country. By showing how the sport can improve the overall health and wellbeing of these kids in the community, the message was successfully communicated that basketball is fun and life changing.

“I have never learned basketball before and today I got the chance to do it,"  said Yumnee, a 15-year-old participant. "I was so interested and excited to learn more. Today, I really fell in love with basketball for the first time even though I also enjoy playing other sports, so I am happy I got to learn about basketball today.”

The most important goal was to send the message of positivity, fun, and excitement in basketball education, which was clearly shown with the feedback of the kids who attended the sessions.

“Today’s lesson was so much fun and it was a great chance for me to make new friends," said Alex, a 12^th grade participant. "I was having so much fun, I didn’t even feel tired. I really liked the program and I wish there were more programs like this in Laos so that more people can know about and play basketball,” 

There was an impressive total of 18 ambassadors present, ranging from 21-45 years old in a diverse group that included Women’s Senior National Team basketball players as well as school teachers. The first two days were spent on the court in the heart of Vientiane, while the final two days were spent in the Si Kod Children’s School and Neerada Chompet School. 

Dr. Alongkone Phengsavanh, Secretary General of the Laos Basketball Federation, was highly eager to host the program in Laos and reached out to different schools in several districts to secure participation form physical educators.

“I truly believe that with such knowledge our participants will be able to go back and make basketball more popular in their schools," said Dr. Phengsavanh. " As a federation, we will support this initiative by offering schools who participate in the program with basketball equipment, such as balls and hoops, and sending our new ambassadors to these schools to train even more educators."

"I am confident that this initiative will help us in our mission to grow Lao basketball.”

One of the ambassadors, Catherine West, a Women’s Senior National Team Player expressed her appreciation to the Ball'In School program for teaching them what they needed to know about the basics of basketball to be able to further teach the kids.

"I’m so happy to be a part of this," said West.

Many of the PE teachers did not have a background in basketball like Mr. Khatha, a Laos school teacher, but the opportunity provided by the Ball'In Schools program has turned a new page in their books.

“I didn’t know anything about basketball but now I have fallen in love with the game," Mr. Khatha said. "I received, in this training, all the tools I need to introduce basketball in the physical education curriculum in my school.”

The significant difference of everyone involved between the first day and the last, hinted towards another success for the Ball'In Schools program. Aside from the improvement in knowledge of basketball for the ambassadors, they displayed the ability to enjoy the learning process and, most important, the understanding of how to make basketball fun.

FIBA