To promote basketball among women, the Basketball Women’s Development Committee of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF) initiated a technical training program among female coaches and referees.
The workshop was held at the National Institute of Sports Science (NISS) on December 19 and 20, 2018 fully funded by the Ministry of Sports.
Thirty participants from several districts, including Jaffna and Batticaloa attended the program.
Dr.Samantha Nanayakkara, Vice president and Chairperson of the Women’s Basketball Development Committee, organized and conducted this two-day workshop.
“I am fully aware that we need to gain more popularity and embrace the demographics of fans that support women’s basketball in Sri Lanka. So, this is why we have to be proactive,” said Dr. Nanayakkara.
Dr. Samantha Nanayakkara said that the lack of female coaches and referees is a major issue in promoting the game among women. The Women’s Development Committee also feels the needs to introduce refresher and upgrading professional development courses to update current female coaches and referees.
“I am passionate in working to bring more women as coaches and referees in basketball.
Therefore, we need to identify prospective and enthusiastic females and mentor them to become true leaders in basketball.
This is my goal to achieve during my tenure as the vice president of the SLBF,” said Dr. Nanayakkara.
Former national basketball coach and the president of the Basketball Coaches’ Association, Ajith Kuruppu and Chathura Rodrigo, lecturer in the NISS carried out the practical lessons at the workshop.
President of the Basketball Referees’ Association, Tusitha Yatigammane conducted the FIBA rules and regulations lesson. Sajith Jayalal, Director of the NISS delivered the lecture on principles of coaching and general theory of training.