European Youth Leaders Took Over the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball
MIES (Switzerland) – 14 Youth Leaders came together at the House of Basketball for the Youth Leadership Workshop and to lend a hand during the FIBA Open 2024.
MIES (Switzerland) – From June 12 to 16, 2024, 14 Youth Leaders came together at the House of Basketball for the European Youth Leadership Seminar. This event marked a significant milestone in the year-long initiative running from April to September 2024.
The program brings together 14 Youth Leaders under the age of 30 from 13 different countries. They were nominated by their National Federations (NFs), with the participating nations set to host the FIBA Youth EuroBasket in the summer of 2024.
Additionally, two participants were nominated by the FIBA Foundation’s institutional partners, Special Olympics and YMCA, and one guest participant from the Basketball Artists School in Namibia, enriching the program with diverse perspectives.
The program is structured into several key phases:
Virtual Sessions: Four online sessions held between April and June 2024. In-Person Workshops: Intensive workshops from 12 to 14 June 2024. Participation in FIBA Open: Engaging activities during the FIBA Open on 15 and 16 June 2024. Implementation at the European Youth Championships: Implementation of Basketball For Good Activities at the European Youth Championships from June to August 2024. Long-term Goal: Youth leaders will become ambassadors for Basketball for Good within their communities. [/unordered]
During the seminar, the Youth Leaders delved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and developed their own Basketball for Good projects. The workshop was facilitated by BloomUp, a global consultancy known for its expertise in sustainability, innovation, and active lifestyles.
In addition to the workshop with BloomUp, the participants had the opportunity to explore the culture and history of basketball through a guided tour and team-building activities in the FIBA museum. They also had a "speed dating session" with FIBA staff from various departments, enhancing their communication skills through rapid, engaging discussions.
The final day, June 14, saw the Youth Leaders preparing for the FIBA Open 2024. They worked in specialized groups to plan and implement key activities for the event.
During the FIBA Open on June 15 and 16, the Youth Leaders took on active roles, volunteering and leading their respective working groups. Their responsibilities included team registration, uniform distribution, and table officiating. Each working group contributed uniquely to the event.
The European Youth Leadership Seminar not only empowered young leaders but also reinforced the importance of Basketball for Good. By the end of the program, these youth leaders will serve as ambassadors, driving positive change within their communities through basketball.
Their experiences at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball and the FIBA Open have equipped them with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the sport's potential to foster social good.
As they continue their journey, the impact of their leadership and initiatives will resonate across Europe, showcasing the power of basketball as a tool for development and community engagement.
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The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports and particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world.
FIBA