The city of Mogadishu has officially hosted the opening of the Global Youth Basketball Academy, which aims to develop and nurture young basketball players. This significant event, held in the capital, was officially inaugurated by the Representative of the European Basketball Federation, Mr. Abdifitah Abdi Hassan, who is responsible for the establishment and oversight of this new academy.
The opening ceremony was also attended by senior officials from the Somali Basketball Federation, led by the President, Mr. Abdullahi Nuur Mahamed. Also present were former national team players, current players representing the national team, top-tier club managers, parents, and coaches involved in the development of sports in the country.
The Global Youth Basketball Academy operates under the Global Youth Basketball Association, which is based in Finland. The association is represented by the Somali representative of the European Basketball Federation, Mr. Abdifitah Abdi Hassan, who also represents this global organization within Europe.
In his opening speech, Mr. Abdifitah Abdi Hassan emphasized that the Global Youth Basketball Academy is a valuable opportunity for Somali youth, providing them with international-level training and educational opportunities to enhance their sports skills. He also highlighted the importance of establishing reliable partnerships and cooperation to support sports development, particularly basketball, which is widely loved in Somalia.
Mr. Abdullahi Nuur Mahamed, the President of the Somali Basketball Federation, praised the opening of the academy and stressed the urgent need to develop young players, who represent the future of Somali basketball. He also pledged that the Somali Basketball Federation would work closely with the academy to ensure the achievement of its ambitious goals.
The event concluded with speeches and congratulations on the beginning of this new journey in sports education and the development of Somali basketball players. It was agreed that all parties would collaborate to produce skilled players who can represent Somalia on an international level. The opening of the Global Youth Basketball Academy was seen as a major step forward in the development of sports in Somalia, with expectations that this academy will open new opportunities for future growth.
