Bel Air basketball academy officially launched |30 May 2016
The Bel Air district must be proud since it is the first to have a basketball academy which was officially launched on Saturday.
Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Minister Vincent Meriton, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange, early childhood, primary and secondary education principal secretary Merida Delcy, Bel Eau primary school head teacher Susan Charles, National Sports Council representative Medge Bijoux and parents joined the young players and executive committee members at the Bel Eau school for the launch of the academy whose motto is ‘Believe and Achieve’.
Known as the Bel Air basketball academy, it will comprise 25 young aspiring basketballers aged between 13 and 18 years old.
Executive committee chairperson Jeffrey Payet said 90% of the players will be from the district itself but there are also others from Mont Buxton, Hangard Street, St Louis and Mont Fleuri.
The project is an idea of mostly Bel Airians who are really proud that their dream has become a reality.
Helping Mr Payet on the executive committee are Richard Mathiot (vice-chairperson), Philip Renaud (manager), Jean-Guy Alphonse (treasurer), Kendra Camille (secretary), Alexandrine Zelia, Terry Bijoux and Ronny Boniface (members).
Mr Payet said “the idea behind the academy is to prepare future basketballers as there aren’t many right now” and explained that the idea has been well received in the community and at national level.
“These youngsters want to play the game of basketball and in the academy they will have the opportunity to get quality basic training and the right people to guide them, which will be good for their future development,” said Mr Payet who added that apart from basketball training, members of the academy will take part in community works.
“We want the youngsters to be role models not only on the court but also in society. We will also place a lot of emphasis on academic excellence,” said Mr Payet who also thanked all the sponsors who have brought their support and those who will do so in the future.
“Our dream is to see these young players play for the country’s national team. And why not go professional?” exclaimed Mr Payet.
The young players will be in the capable hands of seasoned coach Paul Denis who is known for developing new talents.
Coach Denis will work alongside Terry Celeste who said their “aim is to get the young players to understand and love basketball and at the same time learn the basics of the game to develop into good players”.
The technical committee will work independently from the executive committee and people wishing to check the academy’s books which will be placed at the Bel Air district administration office will be able to do so, Mr Payet pointed out.
Mr Payet noted that people — individuals, small and big businesses — believe in this project and this is why they are willing to play a part in it.
“For example, through the memorandum signed with the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, the academy will get 20% of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions monthly for one year. We don’t know how much we will be getting, but we believe it is a very good initiative. In return, we can organise for the young players to help clean one of the beaches on Sainte Anne for example. This way they will be giving back to society. We also hope to see some players take up employment at the hotel if there is a possibility. Through this academy, we are working to give this group of Seychellois children hope and teach them how to live as responsible Seychellois,” added Mr Payet.
The academy is to train at the Bel Air court situated on the opposite side of the old cemetery.
Among the equipment purchased with the contributions of executive members are caps, basketball, medicine balls, cones, skipping ropes, dribbling aids, coaching clip board, water bottles and holders, uniforms and wrist support.
Elijah Hoareau said he joined the academy to learn to play basketball and also gain new qualities as he wants to help his fellow youths to stop abusing drugs and alcohol.
Luciano Roseline, son of Baya’s captain Dave Roseline, thanked all those who are behind this project, adding that he wants to develop into a good player.
During the ceremony, Messrs Payet and Renaud presented a coaching board to Seychelles Basketball Federation’s coaches commission head Terry Celeste.
G. G.