There were no academic robes last Sunday at the graduation of the first ever class of the FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate. The 40 graduates were dressed as they should have been, like coaches.
There were however diplomas, a team photo and champagne to celebrate their hard work over the last three years. But there were also some tears as not all participants passed the challenging exams.
"No diploma can guarantee employment," commented FIBA Europe Youth Commission President Aris Zois, who was
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| Legendary coach and FECC Mentor Svetislav Pesic addressed the graduates. |
"But I believe that this diploma you have earned has special weight because it has the name of FIBA Europe behind it.
"In the end though it will be up to you to give it real importance and weight."
One by one the graduates made their way to the front of the room to collect the proof of their hard work.
The programs top four graduates received a little extra surprise as well as they learned that they had been selected to coach the 1st FIBA Europe Champion U18 All Star Game to take place in Katowice, Poland later this year in conjunction with the finals of EuroBasket 2009.
"I'm extremely proud and pleased to come in the top group of this class," said Damien Jennings of Wales who will make the trip to Poland in September.
"It's an honor to represent a small and developing basketball country like Wales and I hope that my work here along with Matt Johnson from England demonstrates that we in Great Britain are interested in developing great young players."
The ceremony wrapped up with a few words from the programs mentor, legendary coach Svetislav Pesic.
"For me it was very important that I was part of this important concept," commented the World and European Championship winning coach.
"Basketball has given me so much, and I am very proud to be able to give back to the game."
The "4 best of the class" coaches are:
Damian Jennings (Wales)
Zeljko Djokic (Serbia)
Jyri Lohikoski (Finland)
Sven Van Camp (Belgium)
