In August 2013, The 11th Edition of OBC Basketball Tournament will take place in Cote d'Ivoire. Multiple teams are taking part in that tournament for all ages! Given that basketball is not well organized in Ghana, our members do not get the chance to compete and measure themselves against others. We will embark with 2 teams (U12 & U14) on this trip for a total of 30 players giving them the chance to travel, get exposure, learn a new culture, practicing another language and PLAY.
Basketball in Ghana is strictly for people that reach a certain age, for example Senior High School Students. There are multiple impacts to that practice. Ghana cannot have a strong National Basketball Team and therefore do not represent the Country properly; Players cheat their age to be able to be eligible longer therefore taking the spot of a younger one, and finally it is contributing to the stereotype that Basketball is only reserved for a certain elite, a luxurious sport.
DUNK along with other organizations are working hard at challenging the odds and promoting a system change. Recently, together with other Basketball Programs, we launched a Development League for 13 and Under & 16 and Under. Apart from this initiative, young players do not get the chance to exhibit their talents and compete in Ghana. Our trip to Cote d'Ivoire will definitely be a first for these kids but also for Ghana Youth Basketball. Representing, Exhibiting, Exploring, Competing.
In the long term, we hope to repeat that event annually and get more support from local companies and individuals. It would creat a wonderful project that youth are always looking forward to. The future lies in these young players and we all need to work together to nurture their talents. By teaching them, by promoting good work ethics, by offering them the exposure they need, by creating a passion among the youth for Basketball, Ghana Basketball will finally get the respect it deserves.
