Guyana’s next generation of basketball players is gaining international exposure in St Maarten, with an 11-member Under-15 School Boys Select Team competing in the Paradise International Basketball Tournament from October 3-7.

The team comprises promising student-athletes from seven schools that participated in this year’s National School Basketball Festival (NSBF).

The players underwent several weeks of intensive training before the tournament, which Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) said is designed to develop their skills while fostering teamwork and camaraderie among young athletes from different schools and communities.

The team is led by head coach Warren Wilson, with Judah Stephney and Calix Bernard serving as assistant coaches. Leona Kyte is the team chaperone and Chris Bowman is the team manager.

YBG said the tournament provides valuable international exposure while allowing the organisation to assess the standard of junior basketball competition across the Caribbean.

The organisation also hopes the tour will help establish regular international opportunities for young players at an important stage of their development.

G-Boats Guyana is the principal partner for the tour. YBG said the company committed almost half of the tour’s budget and has continued to support the organisation through competitions, coach development, player development and international opportunities.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport also provided financial assistance towards the team’s participation.

YBG recognised the support of the players’ parents and wider networks, including Mr and Mrs Hillaire, Oslyn Richards and James Singh. Additional assistance came through a fundraising barbecue, donations and other contributions.

Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan assisted with transportation to the airport, while the management of the Royal Hotel allowed the team to use its facilities before departure.

The team’s trip was nearly disrupted by delays in processing the passports and visas of five members of the delegation by the Netherlands authorities in Paramaribo shortly before departure.

YBG said the matter was resolved with assistance from Ambassador Deppo and staff at the Embassy of Guyana in Suriname, allowing the affected players and coach to travel with the rest of the delegation.

Beyond the tournament, YBG said the international experience forms part of its broader objective of using basketball as a platform for youth development.

The organisation said its definition of winning extends beyond victories and championships to developing young people who can succeed both on and off the court.

YBG said it is working to establish a reliable pathway for grassroots basketball development, using the sport to create opportunities, build character and encourage young people to pursue positive futures.

The Under-15 School Boys Select Team is representing its schools, YBG and Guyana at the Paradise International Basketball Tournament in St Maarten.