19 August 2009
TANZANIA : US unveils major basketball plan
The US embassy has vowed to work closely with the Tanzania Basketball Federation and Dar es Salaam Basketball (BD).
According to the statement released by the embassy, the US would embark on unearthing talents from the grassroots.
The move has come following strengthened ties between the United States of America and Tanzania through Hasheem Thabeet.
The remarks were made at the embassy by charge d'Affaires Larry Andr� during a Thabeet's 'welcome home ceremony.'
The Memphis Grizzlies' shot blocker returned home last week, the first time since signing for the NBA team.
He said Thabeet's success in basketball has meant that more young Tanzanians are now interested in playing basketball.
"To encourage this, the US will support the basketball federation and BD to further promote the sport," he said.
The official underscored: "Thabeet has now become a better sports ambassador between the US and Tanzania."
The US has been endeavoring to promote basketball in the country and so far, several plans have been executed.
Last September, the US in collaboration with dedicated local partners brought to Tanzania the American Olympic gold medalist in women�s basketball, Jennifer Azzi.
They also invited Matt Bonner, a forward for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.
The players conducted basketball clinics for local basketball players, coaches and secondary school students.
BD's president Simon Msoffe appealed to the two countries to keep up good ties, which might benefit the local players.
According to the statement released by the embassy, the US would embark on unearthing talents from the grassroots.
The move has come following strengthened ties between the United States of America and Tanzania through Hasheem Thabeet.
The remarks were made at the embassy by charge d'Affaires Larry Andr� during a Thabeet's 'welcome home ceremony.'
The Memphis Grizzlies' shot blocker returned home last week, the first time since signing for the NBA team.
He said Thabeet's success in basketball has meant that more young Tanzanians are now interested in playing basketball.
"To encourage this, the US will support the basketball federation and BD to further promote the sport," he said.
The official underscored: "Thabeet has now become a better sports ambassador between the US and Tanzania."
The US has been endeavoring to promote basketball in the country and so far, several plans have been executed.
Last September, the US in collaboration with dedicated local partners brought to Tanzania the American Olympic gold medalist in women�s basketball, Jennifer Azzi.
They also invited Matt Bonner, a forward for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.
The players conducted basketball clinics for local basketball players, coaches and secondary school students.
BD's president Simon Msoffe appealed to the two countries to keep up good ties, which might benefit the local players.
# posted by afrbk : 15:48
