Students from Qatar Foundation’s ( QF) community basketball programmes have competed in the first Jr NBA Europe & Middle East Finals in Abu Dhabi – going up against teams representing England, Lebanon, Spain, Germany, and the UAE.
Two groups of children – 12 boys and 12 girls – were selected to participate in the four-day round-robin tournament, organised by the NBA and Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and display their skills against other Under-15 teams.
Salsabeel Amir Abdelmonem Ahmed Hassan Elrefaei, from Egypt, a young female player who travelled to Abu Dhabi, said: “Something I learned from this trip – especially from my coach – is to always be positive on the court, win or lose, and always try to cheer on other players.”
Elrefaei has been part of the QF community basketball programme since last year, and said: “At QF, they’re always trying to improve our skills and abilities, and they make sure the players feel comfortable and have the mindset of improving every day.
“I hope that, in the future, I can play college basketball, and at some point work in the sport full-time. I trust my coach to help me reach this dream and I think this NBA opportunity has helped me get closer to my goals. As my coach says, it’s just the beginning.”
Pedro Albuquerque Monteiro Da Cruz, a young male player from Brazil, also took part in the tournament. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to play against players from all over the world and to compete at a high level,” he said. “I’ve learned that basketball is a very psychological game, and where each member of the team can make a big difference in the final outcome.
“My dream is to become an NBA player and to compete at the highest level. I believe that with dedication and discipline I will be able to fulfill my dream.”
Damilola Mihle Eweje, from South Africa, was named one of the top five best female players of the tournament, saying: “The tournament was a great experience – I was playing with teams in Europe and the Middle East who had something in common with me. And what I enjoyed the most was making friends with people from different countries.”
Hamad S al-Shaiba, engagement and activation specialist, QF, said: “We are delighted to have participated in the first ever Junior NBA Europe & Middle East Finals in Abu Dhabi.
“At Qatar Foundation, we believe in the power of opportunity, and this tournament was a chance for young people in our community basketball programs to not only practice the skills that they have worked so hard to progress but also to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities – all while meeting like-minded young people from countries like Spain, Lebanon, and England.”
QF junior boys at the championship.
QF junior girls team.
