Basketball in Africa

The Gambia Basketball Association, in partnership with The United States Peace Corps, is currently hosting the Take Charge Senior Secondary School Basketball Programme.
Daddy Jobe, Gambia High, Glory Baptist, Kotu, Methodist Academy, Muslim High, and July 22nd Academy are the senior secondary schools participating in the activities. The event, which combines fundamental clinics and interschool matches with educational sessions focusing on drug and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy, has met for the previous two weekends at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The Gambia Family Planning Association and the Nova Scotia Gambia Association are educating the students. Players from the newly revitalised Gambian national team are working with the teams and their coaches. Cheerleaders are also training to represent the newly formed national squad and distribute the positive messages supported by this programme.
An official training is also ongoing with the goal of creating more qualified referees to support the GBA or SSS leagues which may be developed in the future. On 28, 29 and 30 June the event will be offering free HIV/AIDS testing to members of the community. The goal is to test 550 individuals in this period. Testing will take place on Friday 28 June at the American Corner between the hours of 11:00am and 2:00pm; on Saturday 29 June at the Independence Stadium in Bakau from 11:00am to 2:00pm; and on Sunday 30 June at the Independence Stadium in Bakau from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The federation is calling on members of the public to attend the event meant for the betterment of the community and the development of youth and sport in The Gambia.
This weekend GBA schedules shall include cheerleading performances, music, free HIV/AIDS testing and presentation of trophies and prizes.
Saturday 28 June 2013
Senior Secondary Basketball Semi-final
Girls: 10:00am
Boys: 5:00pm
Venue: Independence Stadium
GBA knockout finals and crowning of league winners
3rd Place: Wallidan vs. Sport House 4:30pm
Finals - Female: GAF vs. Saints 6:00pm
Finals - Male: YMCA vs. Serrekunda West 7:30pm
Sunday 29 June 2013
Senior Secondary Schools - Girls Finals: 4:30pm
Senior Secondary Schools - Boys Finals: 6:00pm
National Team Exhibition Game: 8:00pm
Venue: Independence Stadium