The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was yesterday filled with adrenaline as Under 18 basketball players from 9 Caribbean countries gathered to prove that they are the best at 3 on 3.
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and International Basketball Foundation organized event got off to a grand start, as members of several international bodies were present at the occasion.
Project Associate of the International Basketball Foundation (IBF), Theren Bullock used his speech to focus on the capacity building seminar that was incorporated into the event.
“We hope that within the youth leadership workshop that you really take the time to think about everything that you’re learning, all the skills that are being taught to you and the tools that you’re able to use so that you can go back within your communities to lead,” the project associate noted.
Also addressing the gathering was FIBA’s Governance commission member Patrick Haynes who highlighted the importance of 3 on 3 basketball, disclosing that the format will be one of six addition in the 2020 world cup.
“In the 2020 Olympics, Basketball will have six additional medals, with the 3 on 3 basketball being added to this category. And 3 on 3 basketball is my passion,” he disclosed.
The Caribbean Basketball Confederation member also went on to sing praises for those parties who are continually involved in the hosting of the tournament.
“I must congratulate the GABF, the IBF, the change foundation and the staff for working tirelessly to create this platform for the Caribbean region,” Haynes said.
On a different note, President of the GABF Nigel Hinds, had nothing but words of encouragement for the 9 participating countries as they prepared to head into competition.
“So I ask you to be competitive, play hard, represent your flag, your country and yourself as best as you could. But the whole purpose of the endeavor is to learn and benefit and develop from the process,” Hinds stated.
The competition began subsequently after and will continue today from 2pm with the knockout and final games being played. Guyana’s female team comprising of Annalisa Barclay, Saffiya Greene, Lydia Roberts and Roschelle Campbell will battle out of Group A with Barbados, St Lucia and Aruba. Group B of the female category will feature Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda and Martinique.
Meanwhile, he Male Group A consist of Barbados, St Lucia, Guadeloupe and Aruba. Akeem Crandon, Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen and Shamar France of Guyana will play in Group B against Martinique, French Guiana and Dominica.
