US to place basketball promotion as top priority in CMR

In the recent past, Sports Diplomacy has emerged as an integral part of efforts to build ever-strengthening relations between the United States and other nations including Cameroon. This perhaps explains the remarkable presence of Michael S. Hoza, US Ambassador to Cameroon at the recent national basketball finals in Yaounde.

The US diplomat was invited to the finals which took place the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex by the Cameroon Basketball Federation (FECABASKET).

Speaking to the press after the game, Ambassador Hoza noted: “The United States places a top priority on promoting basketball diplomacy programs in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, FECABASKET, and most especially the youth participants who will one day assume leadership and responsibilities for several sectors in their country.

“The lessons learned through basketball – teamwork, perseverance, dedication, learning how to win, how to lose, and a sports like spirit - are all essential tools towards attaining an education, which is necessary for the youth to reach their goals to promote development in their communities and nation. We look forward to strengthen our cooperation with Cameroonians to promote the sport of basketball and education,” he added.

Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon on welcomed Yves Tsala, Regional President of FECABASKET for the Centre Region, to discuss the United States’ interest in partnering with Cameroonians in promoting education through sports. During the meeting, Tsala outlined his organization’s mission to expand basketball clinics throughout the country in order to increase the participation of young men and women in the sport.

“We believe in expanding our partnership with National Basketball Association (NBA) players and Cameroonian coaches, whose participation in our events would lend unparalleled expertise and prestige as they are role models for all citizens. We also believe in expanding our partnership with Cameroonian boys and girls to promote basketball because the teamwork of the sport will help them become better citizens,” he stated.