Athletic organizers hosted a three-day program for high school girls in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire September 17-19, 2008. They partnered with other organizers in facilitating the event. The program was divided into three sessions, namely, an educational self-empowerment session, community service activities, and basketball fundamentals and games.
The program aspires to empower girls worldwide through the sport of basketball. The vision is to highlight the intrinsic lessons learned through sports (teamwork, perseverance, respect, etc.), promote the importance of higher education and a healthy lifestyle, and empower girls to realize their endless potential as human beings. The sport of basketball is the "means," self empowerment is the "end."
Twenty-five girls participated in the event and were given athletic jerseys and basketballs at the completion of the program.
In order to sustain the program, a local coach will continue to train the girls and emphasize the intangible life lessons found in sports. "Care packages" will be sent to the young athletes every few months to maintain the connection and motivate them to continue their progress in basketball, self-empowerment, and education.