By: Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
The North East Elite Basketball Camp for kids in the North East zone of Nigeria came to an end over the weekend with Bello Ibrahim Ilela emerging as the Most Valuable player (boys) alongside Judith Justus Auta (girls).
In the last man standing contest, Hanina Agness won the girls category while Salim Moh'd Bashir (Team Adamu Yola) won the boy’s category.
Rayyan Salis from Taraba state emerged as the three points contest winner in the boys category as well as the dunk contest while Rejoice Phaveno won the 3points challenge for girls.
The three day event for 100 kids from the states in the North East saw them and their coaches getting exposed to some of the latest basketball drills and techniques by retinue of internationally acclaimed coaches led by D’Tigers Associate Head Coach.
Arranged by the Adamu Yola Ture Foundation in conjunction with Jordan Nwora Foundation, the camp had training sessions fused with entertainment to keep the kids engaged.
Speaking at the end of the event, Nwora who came to Gombe in the company of Natasha Cummings-Price (Head Coach, Eriee Women Basketball team), renowned FIBA instructor, Nick Sepe alongside D’Tigress assistant head coach, Peter Ahmedu expressed satisfaction at the quality of talents on offer while hoping that more opportunities can be given to kids from the region.
“I was impressed with what we saw. They are naturally talented but it is obvious that they are still at a very raw stage because of lack exposure to quality camps and training.”
For him, coming to the region was not just for the kids alone but for the coaches who will stay with the kids even when the camp ends.
“There is a need to also empower the coaches to build on what they are currently doing. Although, we hope to make this an annual event, but more camps and opportunities should be given to these kids.”
Representative of the Adamu Yola Ture Foundation, Yakubu Adamu Yola hinted that they intend to make the event a biennial affair with more kids given an opportunity to blossom.
“We hope that we will be able to work with Jordan Nwora Foundation to get scholarships for kids who have been excellent during the three days camp held at the Gombe State Indoor Sports Hall.
The government of Gombe State thanked the organizers for such a unique opportunity that will be a turning point for many kids within the zone.
Present during the closing ceremony were Alhaji Usman Kamala, Principal Private Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Alhaji Batari Maji Dauda (Commissioner for Education) amongst other dignitaries from the Gombe Sports family.
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