Next generation takes centre stage as YBG Mini Basketball Festival concludes

The future of Guyanese hoops was on full display at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Youth Basketball Guyana successfully wrapped up its two-day Mini Basketball Jamboree and Festival.

The grassroots event brought together 79 enthusiastic young athletes from eight schools, fostering an environment centred on development, camaraderie, and foundational skills.

Targeting rising stars in the 7-9 and 10-12 age brackets, the festival was less about high-stakes pressure and more about instilling a lifelong love for the game, building confidence, and promoting teamwork.

On the court, the competitive action proved to be a classic tale of two academies.

In the 7-9 division, Georgetown International Academy (GIA) put on a stellar performance to defeat the YBG Academy and lift the championship silverware.

However, the YBG Academy youngsters found redemption in the 10-12 division, flipping the script to overcome GIA and claim their own championship trophies and medals.

Every single participant walked away with a Development Certificate to mark their commitment over the two-day event.

A major highlight of the festival was the concerted effort to boost female engagement in the sport.

Ten female participants received special recognition, taking home named trophies and gifts.

Crucially, each girl was also awarded a one-year scholarship membership to the YBG Academy to support their ongoing journey in physical activity and sport.

Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Jaden Simon, Esa Mirza, RickFord Warden, Liam Felix, and Caleb Tan all earning coveted spots on the Mini Basketball All-Star Five.

The standout quintet received trophies alongside their own one-year YBG Academy scholarships. Additional accolades for Best Dribbler, Best Shooter, and tournament MVPs were also handed out to the stellar performers.

Reflecting on the weekend’s success, YBG reiterated that this foundational stage is where the magic truly happens.

Unlike senior levels where winning is everything, they noted that Mini Basketball must remain a sanctuary for learning, friendship, and fun—an ethos they are determined to protect as they build the country’s sporting nursery.

The event’s success was heavily underpinned by a robust network of community and corporate backing, with the organisation extending heartfelt thanks to key partners including Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Acado Guyana, Gulf Valve Piping and Control Inc., Brand It, Edward B. Beharry & Co. Ltd., and G-Boats Inc., alongside the tireless coaches, teachers, and parents driving the grassroots game forward.