FIBA Foundation Youth Leaders Thrive in Oceania

AUCKLAND (New Zealand) - The FIBA Foundation Youth Leadership Program has concluded in Oceania with 16 participants from across the region taking part to further develop Basketball for Good in their communities.

The Oceania Youth Leadership program consisted of four online workshops and concluded with a three-day camp in Auckland covering a range of topics from personal development, to communication skills, teamwork, goal setting, diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, and community engagement.

“This program has been incredibly insightful and reassuring to me personally,” said Basketball New Zealand representative, Kalem Tana.  “I have a better understanding of what my future looks like and how I can best support my community, Kaipara, with Basketball for Good.”

Kalem Tana taking part in the FIBA Foundation  Youth Leadership Program.

“I have learnt so much about myself and the entire Oceania region, there are people doing this program from countries I didn’t even know existed.  It’s been eye-opening to hear all their perspectives because a lot of their communities experience the same challenges and have similar opportunities for growth.  Being able to list to them and think ‘I can apply that to what I’m doing here’ has been a great learning for me.”

Presenting at the workshop, Annie La Fleur, Byron Vaetoe, Inoke Niubalavu and Sarah Cowley all shared their stories and passed on valuable knowledge to the aspiring basketball youth leaders.  Across all topics, the underlying message of sustainability, belief and planning ahead to achieve results.  A lasting message from New Zealander, Sarah Cowley resonated with participants, Tē tōia, tē haumatia - nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce, and a way of doing things.

Sarah Cowley addressing the Oceania Youth Leaders

“When I reflect on this program, it has given me the tools to help support the growth of not just the youth, but the development of trainers and educators in my community,” Tana said.  “As much as it has been about leading, this program has been about providing us with the necessary tools to plan and implement Basketball for Good with sustainability front of mind.”

Participants also delved further into the realm of basketball with FIBA Start Coaching, teaching fundamentals, 3x3 resources, and Hoops for Health program delivery techniques.

## 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.

FIBA