3 months ago
18
FOLLOWING YEARS of service reviving the Reggae Girlz programme, Cedella Marley has adopted a new sports project.
Named an ambassador for Jamaican basketball, Marley said she is dedicated to developing the sport’s profile in Jamaica.
“I strongly believe in the power of sports to unite, uplift and transform, not just individuals, but entire communities.
“Basketball is more than just a sport. It is a movement, it is a lifeline, it is a pathway,” she said.
“It brings us together, it lifts us higher and it gives our youth a reason to dream big and shoot even higher.”
Marley was speaking on Friday night at a cocktail reception at the AC Marriott Hotel hosted by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) and the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations.
The cocktail was held to create connections for the future of Jamaican basketball, as well as to welcome top-ranked US high school basketballer AJ Dybantsa, who is visiting the island to chart a course of giving back to local basketball programmes.
While at the reception, Marley said her goal is to see Jamaica grow in stature on the international basketball scene.
She applauded the work done by JaBA President Paulton Gordon, especially with the very limited resources the association has had.
“The end of the rainbow is Jamaica becoming a dominant force in basketball internationally,” she said.
“It is going to take a lot. I think Paulton has started from the grassroots level, and what he has done is really admirable.
“It is good sometimes when you go out and see what the problem is, because then you’ll know what the solution is. I think [JaBA] has done a tremendous job so far with little resources.”
While still early days in her new role as ambassador, Marley has identified several areas for improvement.
She said it will take time for her and JaBA’s dream to flourish, but she is confident, bearing in mind the support she has witnessed at games.
“There is a lot of room for improvement for everything, from courts to kits to balls. It is not like there isn’t an interest. Twice already I’ve been to the National Stadium and I’ve seen these guys play,” she said.
“It is just timing. Nothing comes before its time, and so we’re going to take it little by little and see how it goes; but I have high hopes.”
Marley said one of the most important pieces in boosting Jamaica’s basketball profile will be incorporating the right personnel.
“I’ve just started today, so I have to get to know the players. But what I do is, I surround myself with people who know what it takes to take us to where we need to go. All I do is just say, ‘What do you need?’ and I’ll get it to you,” she explained.
“They are all here. Coach Turner is here, Paulton is here on the grassroots level. So we’re dealing with the grassroots level and we’re dealing with the national team.”
English (US) ·