NBA inspires young girls through ‘Her Time to Play’

On Sunday, the National Basketball Association (NBA) held its first ever Her Time to Play Elite Camp – South Africa at the Klipspruit Sports Centre, in Soweto.

The event, which welcomed 30 young girls from Gauteng and the North West Province for a one-day camp, marked a groundbreaking initiative for the NBA.

The camp structure included a leadership session and a panel discussion featuring prominent women leaders from South Africa. The event was also organised to celebrate International Women’s Day, on 8 March. It encompassed basketball skills’ development, drills, and discussions on gender-based violence.

The campers engaged in various on-court skills development exercises, including ball handling, dribbling, and shooting, and then ended with competitive games.

Seven local female coaches led the camp, thereby enhancing the Jr. NBA initiative that aims to expand opportunities for both coaches and the youth.

Her Time to Play is focused on promoting basketball participation among female players, coaches, referees, mentors, and administrators, both on and off the court.

Liamisha Aboo, from Redhill School, was recognised as the camp’s Best Defensive Player, while Trishia Guilossa, from the Soweto Basketball Academy, received the title of Most Valuable Player.

During the panel discussion on “Creating Pathways for Girls and Women Through Sport“, key topics of conversation included the necessity of investing in women’s sports and the importance of dedicating time to this cause.

Among the valuable advice shared with the participating girls was the significance of consultation, understanding one’s purpose, and recognising the reasons behind their aspirations. That understanding serves as a foundation for being focused and intentional in their pursuits.

The panel emphasised the importance of overcoming self-imposed limitations, seeking daily personal development, empowering one another, and silencing distractions as essential strategies for success.

Mthokozisi Madonda is responsible for overseeing the NBA’s social initiatives across the continent, including in South Africa. He told SuperSport Schools Plus that the Her Time to Play programme aims to educate, inspire, and connect young girls while offering them access to various opportunities in the sport.

“Today we had a gender-based violence conversation for girls to be aware of gender-based violence, but also aware of their power and who they are and how they can create safe spaces,” Madonda said.

“And then, we followed that up with a panel discussion. We had four amazing panellists. Some of them have played basketball, some of them have played different sports, but they all believe in the power of sport to inspire young girls.”

Madonda shared that the initiative holds significant importance for him. Having grown up in Durban, he developed a passion for basketball and appreciates the potential of the sport to inspire youth.

He emphasised the necessity of focusing on young girls, stating: “There is considerable work to be done to ensure they have access and opportunities, and I take great pride in the NBA’s commitment to advancing this cause.”

Reflecting on the future of NBA Africa, Madonda expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting numerous developments on the horizon and his eagerness to witness them materialise.

“In South Africa, we have the Basketball Africa League approaching, and we will be conducting a series of roadshows in schools and communities. Our aim is to inspire young individuals to develop a passion for basketball.

“Specifically, regarding Her Time to Play, we aspire to replicate this initiative across various regions of the continent and the country, ensuring that more girls are informed and have the opportunity to engage in our wonderful sport,” he concluded.

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Siya Pongco

A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.

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