SVG Basketball Federation welcomes DNSS

From August 12 to 23, 2024, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF), has embarked on its Development of a National Sports Structure (DNSS).

Funded by Olympic Solidarity, with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC) the conduit, the DNSS is being done in two phases.

Phase one began last Monday, August 12, and runs until August 17, 2024 at the New Montrose Basketball Facility.

The first phase entails training for coaches, parents, teachers, young, and experienced players, or anyone interested in coaching basketball.

A two-day festival for young players under the age of 12, also forms part of that phase.

FIBA certified instructor, Nelson Isley, who is familiar with St Vincent and the Grenadines, facilitates phase one.

Its a no assessment course and Isley reiterated at last Monday’s opening, that he wants the coaches to teach the sport.

Phase two, likewise, is twofold, with FIBA certified referee, Glenn Tuitt from the USA and Elka Jimenez from the Dominican Republic conducting sessions, from August 19 to 23.

This second phase will focus on referees and game officials, as well as the convening of a two-day 3×3 festival.

Buoyed by the prospects of the benefits from the DNSS, President of the SVGBF, Suzette Jackson told SEARCHLIGHT: “This DNSS is very important us, because we are trying to revive (Basketball), so we are starting with the Grassroots…. The intention is to have Basketball implemented from the primary into all schools”.

Jackson noted that the duration of the Federation’s DNSS programme is “out of the norm,” but the parent body of the sport, FIBA, has decided to change the format.

The SVGBF president is confident that despite the duration of the DNSS being short, the “impact” of the 15 days will be in the transfer of what was learnt.

“Whether it takes eight months or two weeks, the importance is basically taking in what is taught and that we as the Federation (Basketball) fulfil our mandate to have continued sessions to provide avenues for these coaches to teach the sport of Basketball,” Jackson said.

She believes that the smooth implementation of the DNSS could see the gradual resurgence of Basketball as a go-to sport here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.