FIBA Foundation Youth Leader in Focus - Brigida Pereira

GOLD COAST (Australia) – The FIBA Foundation Youth Leadership Program aims to empower young people involved in basketball to engage with their communities and further develop Basketball for Good initiatives across Oceania.

Brigida Boavida Cabral Pereira from Timor Leste is one of those leaders.

English is her second language and basketball is her first passion.  A passion that was ignited when she was in fourth grade at elementary school.  “When I was at school it became one of my hobbies,” Pereira said.  “While I have never been a part of a basketball club, I have always played at school and made the most of a court that is close to where I live.  Along with a group of friends, we regularly shoot hoops in our free time.”

Studying at the Dili Institute of Technology, 21-year-old, Pereira aspires to lead her communities through basketball to shape and positively influence those around her.  Pereira’s ability to do this on a larger scale in Timor Leste is bolstered by the seven different languages she can use communicate.

“My native language is Tetun, but I can speak English, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia and I’m learning Tagalog, Japanese and Korean,” Pereira said.  “I believe that my language knowledge will assist in developing Basketball for Good initiatives in Timor Leste.”

“Basketball for Good can continue to shape our community development by empowering, motivating, and supporting our young people to develop healthy friendships.  Basketball provides that sense of community which will help us maintain peace.”

Nominated as a FIBA Foundation Youth Leader, Pereira is focused on how small actions can lead to larger results when addressing social issues such as gender equality and healthy lifestyles. 

Looking ahead in anticipation of the youth program, Pereira firmly believes that basketball will play a vital role in combating social issues in Timor Leste.

“Through this program I really want to expand my knowledge and build on my leadership skills,” Pereira said.  “I want to encourage everyone to make changes, so we can all together combat social issues in our community through playing basketball.”

Brigida Boavida Cabral Pereira on her home court in Timor Leste

“Basketball helps us learn and teaches valuable skills in self-confidence, being healthy and decision making.  I know that participating in this program is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and learn together about how we can contribute to Basketball for Good.”

The FIBA Foundation Youth Leadership Program will provide participants with knowledge and understanding about personal development, communication skills, teamwork, goal setting, diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, and community engagement.

## About FIBA Youth Leadership

The FIBA Foundation’s Youth Leadership program is a global Basketball for Good initiative giving youths the skills and opportunities to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.  The Youth Leaders are supported to create their own community impact project, growing the Basketball for Good family worldwide.