NMIBF brings ‘Bola’ to Kagman Saturday

Participants in the second “Bola” session watch NMI National Team Program player Khristian Itaas demonstrates a dribbling drill at the Garapan Basketball Court last Jan. 29.(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Three down, four to go.

The Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation has so far completed three sessions of “Bola,” a Mini Basketball Village Outreach Program, and will have its fourth one this Saturday at Kagman Community Center basketball court in Kagman 3.

The NMIBF kicked off “Bola,” which is supported by FIBA Oceania and FIBA Foundation, at the Koblerville Basketball Court last Jan. 22 and then moved to Garapan Basketball Court last Jan. 29 and at the Civic Center Court last Saturday, offering the federation’s version of FIBA’s Basketball For Good program to more than 30 participants. After the KCC session, ‘Bola” will be at the Chinatown Basketball Court on Feb. 19, San Vicente Basketball Court on Feb. 26, and at the As Matuis Basketball Court on March 5.

“We’ve been receiving a good response for “Bola” despite the current COVID-19 situations we’re in. Thanks to the parents, who entrusted their children to us, our volunteers, and our sponsors from both the private and public sectors. Of course, thank you to these young and enthusiastic kids—some of them have attended the first three sessions—for their diligence and interest in the program. This is truly a team effort, as everyone is working hard to help provide a good program for each village and its residents,” NMIBF president James Lee.

Welcome program

Ana Liza Viola, who registered his sons Charles, Carl, Clyde, and Christian to the program, welcomed “Bola,” saying it’s great to see her children play ball together, share the same passion with the sport, and strengthen their bond as siblings. She also wants her children to meet other people and learn from them and the activities they do together, instead of spending a lot of time in gadgets.

“Nowadays and with the COVID-19 cases in the community, one of our concerns, as parents, is how to keep our children busy because they can’t just sit on the couch and play videogames. Whether they are at home or outside, they have to do something that can help them build their immune system, stay active. So, when I heard of this program, I knew I have to bring them here and I am happy that they are enjoying the drills,” Ana Liza said.

Christian, the youngest among the four siblings at 6 years old, said he loves being able to shoot the ball and doing dribbling drills with his brothers. Besides the actual rims at the village courts, the NMIBA provides portable ones that are suitable for young children.

Seven-year-old Rayden Cruz said he likes doing stretches because they are easier and fun to do, while Dreanalyn Yamada found the obstacle course drills enjoyable.

“It’s nice to hear that the kids are loving the drills. We want them to learn the basic skills in basketball and at the same time have fun. Our drills also help improve their agility and coordination and we do these drills in a safe manner through the fun obstacle courses,” lead program coordinator Irish Pagarao said.

“Bola” is held in partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Office of Youth Affairs, the Division of Youth Services, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and DCCA’s Sports and Recreation. (PR)