Some 200 young people took part in the fourth edition of the “Stéphane Konaté basketball camp” in Korhogo, from October 31 to November 2, 2024. The eponymous initiator of the camp is an icon of Ivorian and African basketball, who has accumulated 22 years of career. It was in Korhogo, in the north of Ivory Coast, that the first pages of this story and this passion were written with his association “Une Balle, Un Espoir”. This camp is a return to his roots for Stéphane Konaté, who aims to transmit the love and values of basketball to young Ivorians.
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From our correspondent in Korhogo, Muhammad Lameen
At sunset, after the end of the activities on the program, a few campers are still hanging out at the baskets, extending their basketball session, near the Korhogo modern high school. It was there, on the concrete platform, that 200 young boys and girls, aged 11 to 18, gathered. This is also where Stéphane Konaté took his first steps in basketball, he who lived within the high school itself in the residence of his father, the educator.
“ I lived right there in front of the field, he said, pointing to his childhood home. When I finished my studies late at night and couldn’t sleep, I took my basketball to come shoot and tap here on the court », remembers the former Ivorian international, now 44 years old. These lands were rehabilitated last year by his NGO “Une Balle, Un Espoir”. “ From two, we went to three basketball courts, rejoices Stéphane Konaté. This court saw me grow up in basketball and gave me a passion for it. It’s this story that I want to perpetuate with the youngest », he adds.
Encourage vocations among young Ivorians
As a child, Stéphane Konaté played in the moonlight on these fields. Today, the youngest play there under the spotlight, like Lélourou Coulibaly, aged 11. This young schoolboy from Korhogo wants to become a doctor while continuing to play basketball. This camp is an opportunity that he says he took full advantage of.
“ In the morning, we did training, he begins. We learned to dribble with both hands. We then got on the court, where we turned around to receive passing balls to instantly shoot at the basket. Then at 11 hours, we were made aware of the harms of drugs. And finally at noon, we took a break to eat », finishes the young boy. “ In the evening, we played matches. It was perfect. » After the morning’s activities – the boys at the modern high school and the girls at the Loniya college – everyone meets in the afternoon for the matches counting towards the camp tournament.
Loane-Esther Ouattara, 16 years old and in first grade, says to herself “ blossomed » to participate in this basketball camp. Coming from Tafiré, one of the five surrounding towns present this year, Loane-Esther is delighted to be among young people with whom she shares the love of her favorite discipline. “ Basketball is one of my favorite sports. This camp allows you to further develop what you learn in your club : perfect dribbling, make longer passes and apply yourself in shots. And if I have the opportunity, I will take up this sport to become a professional. “, she promises herself.
Sparking vocations, or at least interest among young people who live in the interior of the country, a little far from major sporting events, such is the aim of Stéphane Konaté’s camp. In addition to those from the town of Korhogo, young participants came from five surrounding towns such as Tafiré, Niakara and Sinématiali. Everyone will return to their respective cities after the seven finals which punctuate the camp tournament in the different categories for girls and boys, with as many “MVPs” designated at the end of the finals. The 200 residents will then return home with prizes, but also certainly with more skills and passion for basketball.
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