Moroccan schools welcome basketball

TIBU Maroc organised a convoy that visited several Moroccan cities to promote basketball and boost the spirit of initiative among Moroccan students.

By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 07/03/12

[Naoufel Cherkaoui] Basketball players and educational professionals from around Morocco participated in a tour of high schools to encourage students to play.

The International University Basketball Association (TIBU Maroc) recently held a tour of Moroccan schools to promote the sport and encourage students to take initiative.

In 10 days (February 19th-March 1st), the convoy visited 11 high schools in different Moroccan cities. Local basketball champions, school managers and 20 trainers from the association took part in the event. More than 1,500 students benefited from the caravan, the first of its kind organised by the group.

TIBU Maroc President Mohammed Amine Zariat told Magharebia that “the event, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and some public and private enterprises, has two goals: sports-related and education to encourage school basketball by holding workshops in refereeing, training, and development of skills.”

“Our goal is to encourage the spirit of initiative in young people for organising events. However, our work won’t be restricted to the above; rather, we will ensure continuity through the ambassadors of our association who have a presence in all cities, and who will represent a link between us and those young people to ensure the success of our vision,” he added.

“Our decision was to train 150 students at every high school we visited,” he added. “However, applications for participation were much higher; something that reflects the extent of attention paid by Moroccan young people to basketball, which is the second most popular sport in Morocco.”

Zariat also mentioned that a second tour is already being planned after several schools not involved in the first requested a visit. TIBU aims to increase the number of schools in the second tour from 11 to 20.

“This sport encourages discipline and the desire to win, values that benefit young people,” Zariat concluded.

Students who participated mentioned that they were glad that basketball was beginning to get so much attention since football usually dominates the sports scene.

“This event is very important because it encourages us as young people to practice basketball,” student Badr Adin told Magharebia. “It also encourages educational institutions to organise special competitions for this sport; something that we miss. I have benefited a lot from the training that was provided to us by TIBU Maroc, especially some techniques that will benefit me as I play for a basketball club.”

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona build football schools in Morocco

2009-01-22

Morocco launches Ambassadors of Hope programme

2010-08-22

World Cup draws Fennecs fans

2010-06-09

Group lauds Morocco for preserving Jewish culture

2010-03-05

Maghreb reacts to 2022 World Cup Qatar decision

2010-12-07