By; SOLOMON O. PINAOWEI, Kaduna
Three out of the five girls that won silver for Team Kaduna at the 6th National Youth Games (NYG) were discovered and groomed at the annual One Win Basketball Camp.
Coordinator of the One Win Camp, Coach James Fungen disclosed this, while highlighting the success of the camp to participants over the years, at the closing ceremony of the 2021 edition, held at the NIgeria Defence Academy (NDA) Sports Complex on Saturday in Kaduna.
“We thank God we are beginning to see signs, some of the girls are falling into the state team and featuring at national compitetions. Out of five girls that represented Team Kaduna at the NYG, three are from here.
“For them to break into the state team, representing the state nationally is good. It shows the ABCs they are learning is being put into practice,” he said.
Coach Fungen, who is also the Head Coach of Kaduna Polytechnic, further said that the girls are also building charisma and confidence, two vital qualities that will make them excel in the larger society.
“The way they interact on court or off court is also remarkable. They are now matured. It shows they are learning. We are happy some of them are already exhibiting leadership traits now,” he added.
According to him, the One Win Camp has come to stay.
“It’s like a ritual we have programme with the girls annually.
“During the course of the programme, we let them know they can have a future in basketball.
“It was in an advanced stage this year, as they grow, we see changes There was an educative session, we brought knowledgeable people who educated them,” he added.
One of the participants, Happiness Bright who is 14 years old and was one of those that made the state proud at the NYG, said she has learnt a lot since featuring at the camp from inception.
” I feel so excited being here. They have taught us how to dribble, shoot, we had educational and religious classes,” she explained.
Happiness said she loves playing basketball, describing the experience at the 2021 NYG as “great”.
For 12-year old Praise Fidelis, from Starly Academy Gonin Gora, she said, not being tall enough should not be a determining factor for a good player.
“I feel happy being part of the project. My height is not a barrier. We have been taught that we have to be disciplined and focus to attain life goals both on and off the courts,” she said.
Also speaking, 14-year old Divine Chinecherem James said a lot that has impacted on her overall development has been learnt from the One Win Camp.
” I feel happy being part of the One Win Camp. I have learnt a lot like defence, hold my ball not to allow opponent take it.
“I also learnt that if I am molested sexually, I can tell my pastor, Coach Carter, parents or others.
“I want to thank Coach Carter for the opportunity and pray that God keeps blessing her,” she said.
In his remarks, Coach Gambo Musa of NDA praised the One Win Camp, saying that it is the expectation of coaches that more of such camps are held.
“This is our expectation especially coaches from grassroots, to see such programmes. In Kaduna State hardly you see people organising such clinics.
“Coach Carter tries by organising this annually. I have spotted about five or six girls that are promising in basketball.
“This morning while briefing them, I told them some of them will play in WBA. I also told them that discipline a key thing in playing basketball. Hardwork and dedication too are required for success,” he added.
