ALOYSIUS ANAGONYE, ACAN INTERNATIONAL PARTNER BENUE GOVT. TO HOST BASKETBALL CLINIC

By Pan Afric Crew

The Benue State Ministry of Youth , Sports Development & Creativity through the Benue State Basketball Association in partnership with the ACAN International championed by  former  international Basketball player, Aloysius Anagonye organised a basketball clinic at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, Benue State on Friday 28th June, 2024.

It creates mentorship opportunity for coaches and players in secondary school with the aim to improving their skills and capacity.

The Benue State Hon. Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange while addressing participants at the programme emphasized the significance of the clinic to their personal development as it would also motivate them to increase the level of their performance.

He added that the state values the partnership with the ex-basketball player saying, “We need to consistently stretch our hands of fellowship to organisations like ACAN and individuals like Mr. Aloysius so that they can be able to help in the areas we think there are gaps.

“It’s is very important we keep that kind of engagement going forward”, said Terkimbi.

The Special Adviser to the Governor On Youths and Sports, Dr. Elizabeth Idoko-Okogun, pointed out that it is an initiative and meaningful collaboration that is not going to stop with basketball in the administration of the executive Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, emphasizing the importance of public & private sector collaborations in sports and called for Corporate organizations and NGOs to work hand-in-hand with Benue state government towards the development of sport in the state.

The globally renowned basketball player Aloysius Anagonye engaged the participants on the fundamental practice of basketball and his intention to contribute to the growth of the players in Nigeria.

“It’s a long-time dream of mine to do things in Nigeria. My purpose right now is to make people on ground understand the fundamental skills in the game of basketball,” he said.

Part of his discussions also centred on personal experiences, fitness, training, facilities and equipment as well as the development of trainers and players.

Anagonye represented Nigeria in international basketball competitions such as the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2007 FIBA Africa Championship.

Participants includes, 50 secondary school students and 10 coaches.