KIANJIA BAREA (Madagascar) From July 15 to 18, over 400 kids and 70 coaches came together to celebrate the game at the 2024 African Mini Basketball Convention.

Following a successful 2023 edition in Tanzania, it was the turn of the Malagasy Basketball Federation to welcome the African Mini Basketball Convention on its soil. The FIBA Regional Office in Africa organized the event as part of their Development program.

On this occasion, 20 Mini Basketball delegates from 16 African countries and 50 local coaches were invited to the 4-day event. The attendees were educated on promoting the importance of good health and well-being through engaging grassroots basketball activities. Alongside theoretical sessions, they had the opportunity to apply their learnings in practice through various activities involving over 400 children aged 5 to 12, fostering a vibrant and healthy community.

Among the participating delegates were two FIBA Foundation Youth Leaders, Ali Kwami Kpeto and Lawrencia Adjei from Ghana. Their participation allowed them to further develop their skills and knowledge, enhancing their ability to advance the Basketball for Good movement within their home country.

“I have learned a lot of things. First of all, the kids want to play!  So, as coaches, we must reduce the idle time with the kids and teach them the game of basketball step by step. Apart from the skills, they learn how to interact with one another and respect other cultures,” said Abdjei.

Jean Michel Ramarosan, Member of the FIBA Central Board, President of the Malagasy Basketball Federation, and President of the Development program of the FIBA Regional office in Africa,  emphasized the impact of the convention: "It is a big thing for Madagascar to host such an event. It allows us to introduce local children to the game in a playful and stimulating environment.”

The FIBA Foundation, the FIBA Regional Offices, and respective National Federations will keep working together every year to organize regional Mini Basketball Conventions around the globe and to expand the Mini Basketball Movement. This program allows the development of grassroots basketball within different regions with an exciting and playful approach for the children.

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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.

FIBA