Mini Basketball projects strengthened in Latin America
MIES (Switzerland) – During the last 3 years, the FIBA Foundation has run “Mini Basketball Conventions” around the world and adapted to virtual programs during the pandemic
MIES (Switzerland) – During the last 3 years, the FIBA Foundation has run 'Mini Basketball Conventions' around the world and adapted to virtual programs during the pandemic, supporting the international Mini Basketball community in effective and innovative ways.
"Personally, I fight to reduce inequality and promote children's right to health through sport"
One of the Virtual Mini Basketball Seminars established included the participation of 27 Spanish and Portuguese speaking National Federations, creating a Mini Basketball community that crosses countries, continents, cultures and languages. Following their participation, many delegates have started expanding the movement and strengthening the social impact of Mini Basketball in their country.
"I have been working hard for the region for years" said FIBA Foundation President Horacio Muratore. "I have permanent contact with all the countries, and I have always been very happy to be able to help the National Federations. We want to empower them and collaborate with them. Many took a step forward in uniting and expanding the Mini Basketball movement in the Americas and that makes me very proud. We continue to work for the boys and girls of all countries", he continued.
The global Mini Basketball initiative of the FIBA Foundation is seeking ways to improve the health and well-being of boys and girls from 5 to 12 years old, thus creating an inclusive basketball movement.
Eduardo Carranza, Sports Coordinator of the Salvadoran Basketball Federation (FESABAL) explained, "this FIBA Foundation initiative allows us to reassess the work, reorganize and restructure several projects such as the instruction and training of coaches, with the aim of changing the mentality along with the teaching methodology, creating a fun learning environment for kids".
Latin America is made up of populations and communities where access to education, health and sports is limited. This is where the importance of working in these places to increase opportunities lies.
"Personally, I fight to reduce inequality and promote children's right to health through sport", said Carmen Cubas, coordinator of Mini Basketball in Honduras. "Honduras is a country that did not have academies before the pandemic. Currently schools are mostly closed, and recreation and sports activities have been suspended".
Honduras implements community projects for children at risk, identifying seven projects with Basketball For Good principles, which promote physical health and recreation for free on outdoor courts throughout the country.
"We have supported community Mini Basketball projects by delivering size 4 and 5 balls thanks to the donation of the FIBA Foundation. In our country, balls for children are not available and must be brought from abroad, which represents a great problem," said Cubas, "We supporting more and more beneficiaries, expanding the Mini Basketball movement in 5 cities nationwide".
The delegates are inspired by the Mini Basketball Seminars and as a result they are building concrete projects for 2022. Understanding the good that basketball can generate in children and young people around the world.
About Mini Basketball:
The FIBA Foundation’s Mini Basketball program is a global Basketball For Good initiative to improve health and well-being of 5-12 year old children and to fight physical inactivity and childhood obesity. It is an inclusive grassroots basketball movement addressed to girls and boys and their parents and uses fun & game based learning. Please contact us if you want to know more about our programs or if you are interested to work with us.