FIBA helps bring hope to ZambiaLUSAKA (Olympic movement) - A brand new Olympic Youth Development Centre featuring state-of-the-art basketball facilities provided by FIBA will be officially unveiled by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Mr Jacques Rogge, on the outskirts of Zambian capital of Lusaka on 11th May.
The centre was built at a cost of more than US $16 million as part of the IOC's 'Sports for Hope' programme, an initiative dedicated to providing young people in developing countries with opportunities to practice sport and be educated on the Olympic values.
In March 2008, the IOC contacted FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Mr Patrick Baumann to ask if the International Basketball Federation was willing to get involved in the construction of the centre and he was only too happy to oblige.
FIBA, in partnership with one of its associates, BASF-Degussa, assisted in the construction of outdoor courts. FIBA then provided the necessary equipment required (fixed and movable backstop units, game shot clocks, electronic scoreboards, uniforms, balls etc…) for those courts as well as for indoor multipurpose courts.
The sports complex, which has the backing of FIBA as well as numerous other international federations, will be owned and operated by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia. It is situated five kilometres south west of Lusaka city centre, along the Great North Road and next to the Independence Stadium.
According to the IOC, the centre will develop elite performance for athletes on local, regional and national levels in close cooperation with national and international federations.
It also will promote talent identification, the organisation of competitive sports events, educational activities in the field of Olympism, the organisation of seminars and workshops for coaches and sports administrators, and social development programmes.