Location: Maputo

The post-game dance party

Teresa:

This is our last day in Mozambique. With a mid-morning flight out, we didn’t have any camps today, but were able to meet with the Minister for Sport, Youth and Tourism followed by a quick tour of the city which gave me an even better sense of who Mozambicans are. Walking around and meeting some of them, I have a better understanding of their values. This visit has been an overwhelming experience. Before I came to Mozambique, I did not know what to expect. Now that I’ve been here and learned, I want to relive it.

The message I’d like to leave for all the young Mozambicans I worked with these last few days is to encourage them to tap even more into their potential on the basketball court, and in life. I’d like them to take what we imparted to them – the value of education, the importance of taking care of their bodies and making good decisions – and make it a part of who they are and what they stand for. I know if they commit themselves, they’ll be great.

Leaving Mozambique, I have to say I’ve been impressed by how positive Mozambicans are, despite their colonial past and long civil war. I’ve loved the food, and the scenery; I did not imagine it would be so beautiful here. The entire trip, but especially seeing the appreciation yesterday for the new gym, will stay with me.

Tracy:

It has been an outstanding couple of days. This trip has exceeded my expectations. I’m so impressed by Mozambicans’ pride and work ethic. I feel like I’m leaving behind so many brothers and sisters.

Everything I’ve seen here has been done with such passion: art, basketball, music. I also will not forget the emotion at the opening of the gym yesterday. Mozambicans can do whatever they put their minds to and I can see that a lot of good things are happening.

My message to all the youngsters I worked with over the last few days is never give up. Your dreams are within you; go out and get them with all your heart and might, and seek the knowledge you need to attain your dreams.

Location: Maputo

Teresa shows how to fend off the defense at a camp in Beira

Teresa and Tracy:

Today was an incredible day. While all the events and camps we’ve run here have been fantastic, this morning’s program was really special. We participated in the official opening of a basketball court at a local high school. The court was rehabilitated as a joint project between the U.S. Embassy and an NBA Family Donation. The covered, semi-enclosed space is the home-court for a local team, Bela Rosa, and of course the students of the school and the local community use it as well.

After some remarks and singing and dancing (which we really enjoyed), two local teams took to the court for an inaugural game with each team fielding a special player – us! We never expected to be running up and down with Mozambican teenagers, but it turned out to be so much fun. After a few minutes we headed to the bench to coach our respective teams on to victory. The crowd of hundreds of students from the school and surrounding area loved every minute of it, especially when Tracy threw a length-of-court pass to one of his teammates. After the inaugural mini-game, the Mozambican music (which we enjoyed so much in Beira) came on the loud speakers and it was one big dance party right there on the court.

Teresa:

Looking back on the day last night when I got back to the hotel, I just laughed remembering everyone, including Tracy and I, out there dancing with the children. What a unique experience! I just loved seeing the youngster’s appreciation for that new gym.

Tracy:

The opening of that gym is going to stand out in my memories of Mozambique. The emotion and happiness and love that we saw there this morning is second to none. Coming from the U.S., where I don’t think I have seen that kind of expressed emotion from a whole group, it was so refreshing.

Location: Beira

Tracy Murray gives feedback on a pass

Today we were in Beira, Mozambique’s second largest city about half way up the coast of this long, long country. It was really great to see another part of the country and it really is different. Some things are the same – the gorgeous sea-side, the delicious (and enormous) prawns - but others are different. Today we got our first taste of Mozambican music. After listening to some of the songs played with local instruments, we had a fascinating discussion about music with some of the children who participated in today’s camp. They are completely up to speed on American popular music – they know who all the artists are and all the songs on the radio - yet at the same time have great appreciation for Mozambican traditional music. Truly a blend of cultures.

On the basketball side, again, we were impressed by the enthusiasm the young Mozambicans showed for the game. This time however, we also took note of how much need there is, both with respect to basketball (some players came to the camp without shoes, for example) and in their lives more broadly. Nonetheless, at the same time we were struck by how much the children bring to the court, their energy and passion. It was wonderful to see that even with very little, there’s love for sport.

Location: Maputo and Matola

Teresa Edwards and Tracy Murray demonstrate proper stretching techniques during the pre-clinic warm-up

Our first time in Mozambique! It has been wonderful so far. We’ve been thoroughly impressed by the enthusiasm of both the coaches and the nearly 200 Mozambican youngsters we’ve worked with on our first day here in Maputo and Matola. Their willingness to absorb the lessons and skills we’ve been imparting to them, listening and learning, has been inspiring. We’ve been equally impressed by the warmth and hospitality we’ve been shown by everyone from the hotel staff to the players and coaches. As we handed out certificates at the end of camp, we were greeted by many of the players with the traditional kiss on each cheek. We’ve noticed a high level of athleticism among the boys and girls at the clinics. Some of the participants clearly had not been playing basketball all that long, but their natural athletic ability was apparent during the very first drills. We were pleased to see so many young girls come out to play. Speaking of the girls, during our first clinic we called all the boys and girls to join us on the court, but the girls hung back. After a few minutes of watching the boys participate, a little more encouragement from the coaches, the girls came out full of energy (especially eager to practice with Teresa!). Even when we had them do pushups their enthusiasm never flagged.

We greatly appreciate this opportunity to visit Mozambique and we are proud to be here for a few more days. Tomorrow we head north to Beira.