The just concluded basketball program put together by the French Development Agency, AFD, in collaboration with National Basketball Association, NBA, witnessed over 150 Physical Education teachers from different schools and 20 coaches within Lagos State metropolis being updated with the necessary skills and knowledge of best global practices of the game to educate their students and players.

The teachers and coaches were also exposed to the role of basketball in the school sports curriculum, taught about various basketball and coaching methodologies and discovered best ways of identifying and nurturing basketball talent.

Speaking at the end of the program, General Consul, France in Lagos. Laurence Monmayrant, they developed such programs to empower young people through sports as a way of diverting their energies into meaningful vices, adding that the country has much potential in its youth.

Also Speaking, AFD Director, Nigeria, Xavier Muron, stated the teachers and coaches are their ambassadors that would constantly convey their message to students and young people, stressing that they want more personnel because they want the program to go round the country.

Reacting on the this development, NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director, Joe Touomou, hinted that the focus is to expose young children to the game, so that they can be beneficiary and appreciative of the impact of basketball especially in the continent, noting that the program attracted so a lot of coaches and kids at the same time .

In his words, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, there is massive improvement and upgrading in the areas of facilities in the state, adding the organizers are going the extra mile in acquiring some courts in different parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the 4-day programme which climaxed at the weekend has impacted more than 21,000 boys and girls within the ages 12-17 years from 55 public and private schools in Lagos State.