The 3-day Amateur Basketball Academies Referees and Technical Officials Clinic begins Thursday morning at the basketball court, Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
Tagged ” Dream Alive”, the clinic that is targeting boys and girls of ages 17 to 25 years and currently in schools, is to build young officiating officials who will catch up with the new international standard and to also develop young and effective basketball Referees as well as to give opportunities to give them to pick up a career in basketball Referees.
Addressing the participants, President and founder, Amateur Basketball Academies, Deputy Comptroller in the Nigeria Customs Service, Aliyu Abubakar charged them to see their participation in the clinic as an opportunity to build a career for themselves.
Aliyu, who was in the company of other board members, urged the participants to see themselves as critical stakeholders that are important to the development of the game.
” While players often receive the spotlight, every successful basketball competition depends on competent referees and technical officials who ensure fairness, professionalism, discipline, and adherence to the rules of the game.” He said.
” The vision of the Amateur Basketball Academies has always been to discover, nurture, and develop talents at every level of the basketball ecosystem. This vision goes beyond identifying talented players. It includes coaches, referees, table officials, statisticians, commissioners, and administrators. We firmly believe that a complete basketball development programme must empower every stakeholder involved in the game.” Aliyu stressed.
DC Abubakar enjoined the trainees to see the event as a way of fulfilling their dreams.
” The “Dreams Alive” initiative is more than just a training programme. It is a movement designed to inspire young Nigerians who have a passion for basketball but may not necessarily become players. Through this initiative, we are opening new pathways for careers in sports officiating, technical administration, and sports management.
Our objective is clear.” Aliyu concluded.
While congratulating the participants, ABA President informed them that their selection is not accidental. It is a recognition of their passion and willingness to serve the game of basketball. He, however, encouraged them to approach every lecture, practical session, and assessment with dedication and an open mind.
Also speaking, FIBA Referees Instructor, Nuhu Samuel warned that the 3- day clinic will be rigorous as they will partipate in both class and practical sessions. He said this is to provide them with technical knowledge required for modern basketball officiating as it will expose them to contemporary interpretations of basketball rules and mechanics.
About 25 students from different basketball academies in the federal capital territory and kano state are taking part in the clinic.
Other board members who graced the occasion include Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah, Coach Alex Ujoh, Coach Oyekan Oyedeji, Kayode Adeniyi and the Secretary of the board, Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa,
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