Your Weekly Dose Of FIBA Africa Zone 4 News: Giants of Africa Basketball Camp Empowering heads to Gabon as Her Rules Basketball Camp Forges the Next Generation of Female basketballers in Cameroon.
Last Updated on
October 15, 2024
From 10-13 October, 2024, the Gymnasium of the Multi-sectoral Center of Nkok hosted the Giants of Africa basketball camp, an event that brought together over 50 young boys and girls from Gabon's nine provinces. The camp, attended by notable figures such as Willy Conrad Asseko, president of the Gabonese Basketball Federation, and Mr. Paul Ulrich Kessany, Special Advisor to the President of the Republic, was a landmark moment for basketball development in Gabon.
Organized by Masai Ujiri, President of Giants of Africa and a leading figure in basketball development across the continent, the camp offered participants a unique opportunity to train and enhance their skills under expert guidance. The program's primary goal was develop basketball talents and inspire the youth to pursue excellence both on and off the court.
The Gabonese Basketball Federation expressed its gratitude to Masai Ujiri for selecting Gabon as the destination for this major event. By hosting the camp, Gabon reaffirms its commitment to fostering the growth of basketball and empowering the next generation of players.
This event is part of the broader Giants of Africa initiative, which aims to uplift African youth through basketball, instilling life skills and leadership qualities in the participants. Gabonese youth now join a growing network of young African athletes benefiting from this impactful program.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Collège Vogt basketball gymnasium came alive with energy and enthusiasm as 50 young girls from the U14 and U15 categories gathered for the "Her World, Her Rules" basketball camp. Organized by the Cameroon Basketball Federation with support from FIBA World, this camp marked a significant moment in the development of women's basketball in the country, serving as a foundation for the next generation of female athletes.
Led by FIBA instructor Louis Tsoungui, the camp brought together renowned coaches who have made their mark as players. Among them were Sandrine Ayangma, Gano Siloise, and Cameroon's former captain Priscilla Mbiandja, all silver medal at the 2015 AfroBasket. Their presence provided the young participants with invaluable insights.
The camp focused on skill development, team dynamics, and leadership, with a clear emphasis on nurturing talent and building confidence. For many of the girls, this was their first experience at such a high-level camp, and the impact was profound.
Coach Sandrine Ayangma shared her thoughts on the importance of the initiative: “As long as there will be an occasion to enhance the skills and knowledge of the game for the young ones, we will always be there to do so.”
The participants were equally inspired. Shanice, a 15-year-old, expressed her excitement: “It’s been amazing to learn from players I’ve looked up to. They’ve taught us so much, and I can’t wait to apply everything I’ve learned in my next game.”
The "Her World, Her Rules" camp has firmly positioned itself as a crucial initiative in promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for young female athletes in Cameroon. As these girls return to their communities with new skills and renewed determination, they represent the future of Cameroonian women's basketball.
{Photography Courtesy of FecaBasket, FegaBasket}