Sponsored by the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai in collaboration with Quick Handle Basketball and Seeds of Peace, SportForward (Global Sports Partners’ non-profit arm), brought Coach Wayne Mendezona (Coach Mendo), USA FIBA certified coach, to three cities in West India to lead one-week youth basketball and leadership camps last month.
In total, 114 youth (72% female, mostly from underprivileged backgrounds) and 10 local coaches participated in the 2019 Courageous Together Basketball and Leadership Camps in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Indore.
GSP firmly believes that player development occurs both on and off the court. Building on the basketball training experiences, campers actively engaged in leadership development sessions founded in participatory learning theory. During morning basketball sessions of footwork drills, dribbling two basketballs at one time, mini tournaments and one-on-one competitions, the youth gained confidence in their ball handling skills and deepened a culture of encouragement. In the afternoon, youth transitioned to role plays, discussions of diversity in their families and schools, and small group work to creatively address a social issue in their society. Each week, GSP staff challenged the youth with one question: “If you were 10 times bolder, what would you do in this situation?” Youth came up with bold and focused ideas for addressing issues like female discrimination, corruption, and even a bad smell from a local chicken farm!
Upon completion of the camp, GSP coaches awarded each athlete and local coach a certificate of participation. Each camper completed 15 hours of basketball training and 12.5 hours of leadership development. Athletes, local coaches, parents, and partnering schools were thrilled with the outcomes. GSP joins them in anticipating follow-up camps and coaches’ trainings in the coming years. It was truly an honor to play a part in strengthening basketball programs across this stellar country! GSP gives special thanks to Saint Dominic Savio High School (Mumbai), St. Ann’s High School (Ahmedabad), and Sideras International School (Indore) for hosting the camps.
To keep up with our involvement in India, follow GSP India on Facebook and Instagram @IndiaGSP. You can also find us on Facebook by searching “Global Sports Partners India.” Check out the hashtag #Sports4IncredibleIndia to see what’s next!
Take a look at our Mumbai Basketball and Leadership Camp Highlights Video!
