Saint-Dizier Basketball Program Fosters Youth Development and Sportsmanship
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A free basketball program in Saint-Dizier, France, recently concluded a successful week-long session, engaging over 80 young athletes and promoting both athletic skill and crucial social awareness. The “Centre Génération Basket” initiative, orchestrated by the French Basketball Federation and locally organized by Saint-Dizier Basket, ran from October 20th to October 24th at the Anne-Frank gymnasium.
Cultivating a Passion for Basketball
The program was structured to cater to different age groups, with mornings dedicated to 8-12 year olds (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and afternoons reserved for 13-18 year olds (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Participants hailed from the Bragarde city and surrounding villages, with a significant number being first-time players. Educators and young athletes from Saint-Dizier Basket led the sessions, focusing on foundational skills and the rules of the game through engaging, game-based workshops.
“The sessions were focused mainly on games,” stated a club manager, emphasizing the program’s commitment to making learning fun and accessible. In addition to gameplay, the curriculum included technical skill development and tournament-style competitions.
A National Initiative with Local Impact
The “Centre Génération Basket” program has been a nationwide effort since 1999, developed by the French Basketball Federation to encourage physical activity, social integration, and responsible citizenship. The initiative is open to all and provides qualified supervision, ensuring a safe and positive environment for young participants. This year’s program in Saint-Dizier also welcomed youth from local organizations including Clel, the Sociocultural Center, and SOS Femmes Accueil.
Addressing Critical Issues Through Interactive Technology
A key addition to this year’s program was the introduction of a touchscreen awareness terminal, developed in partnership with the Haute-Marne Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS). Participants engaged with a socio-educational quiz designed to raise awareness about critical issues in sports.
“It is a prevention tool against violence, discrimination and harassment in sport. It is important that young people are made aware of it,” underlined the president of Saint-Dizier Basket, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive sporting environment. This innovative approach demonstrates a proactive effort to address potential challenges and promote positive values within the youth basketball community.
The program’s success underscores the power of community-based initiatives in fostering youth development and promoting the values of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and respect.
