POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center
Mr William McCammon was the FIBA Basketball expert who was sent to Eritrea, Africa to assess the Development of National Sports Structure as a part of Olympic Solidarity Program. His stay was organized under the hospices of the Eritrea National Basketball Federation (ENBF).
McCammon spent a total of 168 days in Eritrea where seven clinics were given in across the country.
The last organized clinic was held in Eritrea from September 20-29, 2004. Since that time there are still no schools for coaches which have been established. However on this visit it has been reported that the ENBF will be setting one up in the future.
The levels of courses
The course structure for these clinics was Level II Intermediate which was split into two parts: theoretical components were taught in the morning and practical components were given in the afternoon.
The course was nationally based with the aim of heightening the development of basketball instruction targeting young coaches.
The advanced component was administered by a three days seminar which was given to coaches in Asmara who had already attended the Level I and II FIBA clinics.
In addition three coaches assisted with training and development of men's and women's national teams, as well as under 20 and under 18 national men's teams.
Participation and Languages
The number and attendance of participants was 140 for the Young Coaches development segment and 75 in the National Teams develop segment. Participating coaches came from the 6 "Zoba's" (provinces) of Eritrea: Debub, Anseba, Gash-Barka, Southern Red Sea, Northern Red Sea, and Makel.
The languages spoken were English and Tigrinya. Interpretation was necessary and was usually done by the President of the ENBF, Mr MehariTesfai.
Accommodations and Organizations Excellent
McCammon reports that the accommodations were excellent.
Service was good and the local spicy dishes can still be remembered. The last two months of experts stay were spent in an apartment in Asmara which gave him a real taste of local life.
Overall the organization was very professional. Mr Tesfai drove McCammon to various places for the exception of a small 2 hour flight to the Southern Red Sea city of Assab.
Mr Tesfai was extremely helpful as he would quickly solve any issues which would arise. Social activities were rich and unforgettable to McCammon.
Practical and Theoretical Courses in Six Provinces
The practical course venues were held in the 6 different provinces of Eritrea.
In Asmara the Club Biocciofila hosted the courses. In Debub the courses were held in the Mendefera Youth Center court. In Anseba the courses were held in Grand Hotel Keren. In Gash Barka the courses were given in the Barentu Youth Center Court.
In the Southern and Northern Red Sea they were given at the Red Sea Court - Assab and Central Hotel Court. (Courtesy of PA Sport)
