Paul Afiemo
Hoop Dreams Nigeria, an Ibadan based free development program teaching the skills and basics of basketball to children ages 5 to 18 kicked off their 8th season on Saturday with an opening ceremony at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba Ibadan.
The ceremony attended by over 100 ,children included a friendly match between the Hoop Dreams Glitters (the senior female team) and the War Queens of Ota, Ogun State.
Two matches were played over 2 days and were split between both teams.
Speaking to the participants at the opening ceremony, the founder of Hoop Dreams, Barrister Damola Awosika, charged the kids with his opening speech.
He emphasized that for the participants to get the most out of the training program, they must be punctual, consistent, and show a positive attitude toward learning and being coachable.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of being willing to apply themselves and improve their skills personally through repetitive practice of what they have been taught.
He cited examples of best shooters in the game taking time to take 100s on their own outside of their team training.
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The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Hon Wosilat Adegoke graced the occasion and also the children by encouraging them to make the best of the opportunity they have been given and being good ambassadors of themselves and the state.
Hoop Dreams has produced and achieved a lot of successes in its short existence, their successes include winning various regional age group tournaments.
They have also recorded 3 national U-16 players, representing the nation international at the African Championships in Cape Verde and Ghana.
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The weekly training continues every Saturday until the month of July. Registration is free and all interested individuals and institutions are welcome.
