On Wednesday evening, the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) officially launched its 2024 domestic season, marking the commencement of a journey outlined in its Strategic Plan.
President Francis Williams, in the presence of distinguished guests including Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) president Sandra Osborne, and Director of Sports at the National Sports Council Neil Murrell, emphasised the association’s commitment to thrusting Barbados into the forefront of both domestic and international basketball.
Williams articulated the BABA’s Strategic Plan, delineating its vision for the future trajectory of basketball on the island.
Central to their plan are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), focusing on income generation and basketball development.
The association aims to transition from the BABA to the Barbados Basketball Federation in 2024, aligning with recommendations from the global governing body, FIBA.
Under their KPIs, the BABA aspires to secure a minimum sponsorship of US $22,000, engage at least 100 players aged 5-12, and involve a minimum of 72 women islandwide.
BABA president Francis Williams (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from CEO of Co-operators General Insurance Anton Lovell. (Photos by Zahir Motara)
Minister Charles Griffith (left) presenting the BABA’s recognition award to former national player and coach, Dean Squires.
The 3×3 format, recognised at the Olympic level, is slated for increased activity in 2024, providing Barbados with an opportunity to participate in major global basketball events.
Williams reiterated the BABA’s commitment to elevate Barbados to regional basketball prominence, stressing its dedication to fan engagement through a meticulously crafted marketing strategy involving fans, players, and community interaction.
Acknowledging the importance of collective support, Williams highlighted the role of stakeholders in the success of their initiatives.
Minister Griffith lauded the BABA for what he believes is lacking in sports locally, stating that “this is what government is trying to achieve in getting all of the national federations to reach a stage where they have a Strategic Plan, which is necessary to promote sports in Barbados. I’ve been asking from the time I took up the mantle as the Minister of Sport to grow sports at the grassroots level.”
Griffith, who spoke briefly of his involvement and playing days in the sport of basketball, noted, that “the reality is, if we’re going to grow sports, we need to focus and do it at the grassroots level and I thank the BABA for doing that.”
Griffith also encouraged the BABA to aggressively seek scholarships for its young athletes.
“I think it’s paramount for us to engage in getting some of the youngsters coming through the system scholarships and the Government through my Ministry is making it easy because we have scholarships for those youngsters who want to study overseas,” he said.
Additionally, Griffith expressed his ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the BABA on pivotal projects aimed at enhancing the development of basketball in Barbados.
Meanwhile, Anton Lovell, chief executive officer of Co-operators General Insurance, while outlining the challenges faced currently in his industry, assured the BABA of their sponsorship for the 2024 season.
Lovell spoke profoundly of his company’s commitment to sports, more so the BABA, “let me congratulate the executives of the BABA, I concur with the Minister that you’re doing a good job.”
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