The Office of Diaspora Affairs has secured and begun distributing a shipment of 1,200 basketballs to schools and sporting organisations across Saint Lucia, strengthening grassroots development and expanding opportunities for young athletes.
Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Julian Du Bois said the initiative forms part of a wider effort to engage Saint Lucians living abroad in meaningful national projects.
“We’ve been trying to reach out and engage folks in the diaspora, and this particular initiative, we’re able to get the support of one of our individuals who works with Canada’s Wonderland, which is an amusement park,” Du Bois explained.
He credited Saint Lucian Tracy Alexander for helping to secure the sporting equipment.
“So Mr. Tracy Alexander, who’s a Saint Lucian who works there, he was able to secure for us 1,200 basketballs,” the Ambassador said.
Du Bois noted that the goal is to place the basketballs directly into the hands of young players, particularly those in organised youth divisions.
“We’re hoping we could give each of them some of the balls and that would spur them to, particularly the younger ones, on the 12s, on the 15s, on the 18s, and so on, get them involved in a serious basketball program,” he stated.
The Saint Lucia Basketball Federation has already received a portion of the donation. Federation President Glen Guiste expressed gratitude for the contribution.
“I’m so thankful to be here today to receive a donation of 100 basketballs from the Ambassador of the Diaspora Affairs. We are so thankful,” Guiste said.
He emphasised the long-term impact the equipment will have on the sport.
“Those balls will go a very long way in the continued development of the sport on the island as the sport continues to grow,” he added.
With the distribution underway, officials hope the initiative will not only enhance training and competition but also inspire more young Saint Lucians to pursue basketball in a structured and sustained way.