French Federation prepares to launch 'FFBB-Africa' project

PARIS - The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) are preparing to launch their 'FFBB-Africa' project which will see them collaborating with 10 African nations to promote the sport.

At a press conference in the French capital, Federation President Jean-Pierre Siutat outlined the plan, which has already seen agreements signed with Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Rwanda.

Touted as a trailblazing project because of the scale of the commitment to Africa, the aim is not to design or detect young talents, nor to make financial donations.

The objective is to emphasise the importance of education around the sport and to use basketball as an important lever in developing social integration through basketball.

A gala evening is to be held next month to further promote the new initiative and will be attended by various dignatories, as well as an array of French basketball stars.

"Africa is the continent for basketball in the 21st century!" declared Siutat, who was joined by French men's team captain Boris Diaw and team-mate Nicolas Batum.

"Recognising this potential, the French Federation is involved in the outbreak of the youth game and the general strengthening of relations between Africa and France.

"Ten partnerships have been signed and our Federation will provide expertise, training and support of sporting events for each of the 10 federations.

"To publicise its work and invite others to contribute, there is to be a gala evening on 22 July at the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris.

"The team of France in full preparation for EuroBasket and will be present at the gala, including Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Nicolas Batum, who are already involved in Africa."

Siutat added: "The 10 Sports Ministers and Presidents of the Federations will be our guests.

"I sincerely hope that this event launches our programme, fully cementing the sporting solidarity with our friends and basketball players from Africa."

The idea is to develop the partnership in the long term and the FFBB intends to initially work for two years on this initiative and a roadmap will be developed.

The main objective is to provide human resources (the training of trainers), to share and transmit know-how in many different facets of the sport.

It is a collaboration that will involve the players, technical staff, managers, officials (referees) and those involved with the national teams.

FIBA