Using basketball to teach positive values to youths

The 'Sports in Enhancing and Promoting Authentic Diversity for Unity' is a sports diplomacy programme for youths. Using basketball as a tool, the programme is said to be a proactive effort to demonstrate the significance of sports to the young.

The programme was launched in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Malaysia's deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin said the programme would help inculcate skills such as teamwork, trust and mutual respect. 

"By engaging in sports, young people would also be able to develop a sense of purpose and a healthy outlet for their energy and passions," Mohamad said.

US ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters was also present at the event.

"The US Sports Envoy programme is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity," McFeeters was quoted as saying.

"The programme is a unique component of the US Department of State's people-to-people diplomacy. The lessons they share from the court which are communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion and conflict resolution are critical to leadership development, community building, equality and peace."

The programme will see basketball clinics and speaking engagements in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

Source: New Straits Times 

Main image: Mohamad Alamin/Facebook