With the support of the FIBA’s Regional Offices of Africa and FIBA Foundation, there will be a sixth edition of the annual Mini Basketball Convention in Africa this July from the 15th to the 18th. The camp will take place in Kianjia Barea in Madagascar.
Last Updated on
July 16, 2024
Emmanuel Shine
Staff Writer
Following its successful fifth edition last year in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, FIBA Africa will host its sixth edition of Mini Basketball Convention in Madagascar. The goal of this event is to promote playful grassroots basketball for children aged between 5 and 12 years. It also aims to raise awareness on good health and overall well-being through basketball. The initiative further aims to fight physical inactivity and childhood obesity.
It is an inclusive initiative that will address the above mentioned to not only boys and girls but also their parents through fun and game-based learning through basketball. This time, there will be 400 children in attendance, 70 coaches (50 of whom are local coaches) and from 15 countries. All 7 zones in Africa are represented in the 15 countries attending.
The countries attending are Madagascar (host nation), Benin, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Among the many delegates the forum’s technical directors, Nour Amri (Morocco) and Guillermo Calvo (Spain), will also be in attendance.
The various National Federations continue to work together and with FIBA every year to organise Mini Basketball Conventions around the globe and to expand the Mini Basketball movement. This approach also plays an important role in the development of basketball in the continent from a young age.
The primary objective is to ignite a passion for basketball at an early age, with formal rules introduced later. Since its inception, the initiative has steadily gained popularity in Africa, starting in Mauritania in 2022 and continuing in Tanzania in 2023. This growth is evident, with participation increasing from 250 children last year to 400 this year.
Mini Basketball prioritises enjoyment over competition, focusing on instilling good sportsmanship and respect for rules, referees, and opponents. The modified games incorporate essential basketball skills, ensuring players can practice in a game-like environment without needing a traditional basketball rim, making them versatile and accessible.
These games include Hoop Ball, Munnsy Hoops, 4x3 Pass Tag, and Point Passing. Coaches are encouraged to use a game-based approach, emphasising fun while teaching. Activities for physical development—such as general movement, balance, ball control, and coordination—are also integral.
Every basketball player starts with a love for the game. Mini Basketball nurtures this passion while promoting skill development, sportsmanship, and respect.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA Africa]
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