CASTRIES - The Lesser Antilles Youth 3x3 Basketball final in St. Lucia is less than two weeks away. The young boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 17 participating in the event will not only gain experience of playing international basketball, but also take part in a leadership workshop aimed at giving them leadership skills to help use basketball as a tool for development in their communities.

This workshop is very important to the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) whose goal is to use basketball to create a positive impact on communities throughout the region. The players will experience how basketball is being used to change the lives of young people around the world and will be encouraged to look at ways in which they can create change in their communities through basketball. Over the course of three days and through a combination of presentations, leadership challenges, interactive and basketball games, the participants will learn about working together, communication and leadership.

The workshop will be facilitated by Mthoko Madonda and Jabulani Myeza. Mthoko is a former captain of South African Basketball and founder of Reach Sports Management, who hopes to teach the participants how they can use basketball to convey valuable skills. The aim is for the youths to understand their role as young leaders and learn how they can help and inspire their community.

"We are very excited to be a part of the Lesser Antilles 3X3 Youth tournament. We have had the privilege of working with young people all around the world and are looking forward to meeting young people from around the Lesser Antilles and sharing our experience of how basketball can be used as a tool for development," explained Mthoko.

Cultural exchange will also be an important aspect of the trip. Indeed, the Foundation would also like to help bring the islands closer together on and off the court. The youths will be encouraged to get to know each other and build lasting international acquaintances.

For further information, details of teams participating and daily updates on the competition please visit the site dedicated to the tournament antilles3x3.com.