The government of El Salvador, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, is taking significant steps to promote the development of youth sports in the country. Through the National Institute of Sports (INDES), it is providing opportunities for students in the public education system to learn and take steps towards the professionalization of sports, with the support of the global basketball program, Jr. NBA Leagues.
Yamil Bukele, the honorary president of INDES, recently introduced the 32 qualifying teams (16 male and 16 female) for the national stage of the Jr. NBA League and presided over the draw for match pairings for the final stage of the student tournament, scheduled to take place between September 16th and 24th.
“We must congratulate the 16 teams in both the male and female categories who have qualified for the national stage. In this 59th edition of the Student Games, the focus was on reactivating it, but also on capturing the attention of all young people who enjoy playing basketball and love this sport. And what better way to do it than with a strategic partner like the NBA,” stated Yamil.
In the elimination stage, approximately 2,000 students participated. Subsequently, 30 male teams and 30 female teams advanced to the regional phase of this project, leading up to the national stage set to commence soon. The semifinal and final rounds of the tournament will take place from September 22nd to 24th. The semifinalist teams will be accommodated at the international university residence during these days, where they will receive the full treatment of professional basketball players.
From September 23rd to 24th, 32 coaches who reached the national stage, along with 8 coaches from the Salvadoran Basketball Federation, will participate in a training camp with NBA specialists.
Meanwhile, 50 male players and 50 female players will be taking part in a sports camp, guided by an NBA staff and, most notably, an NBA star, Carl Herrera, a two-time champion with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, who will be visiting the country.
President Bukele’s government continues to foster sports development and build strategic alliances to strengthen institutional capacities and propel students in the national education system towards sports professionalization. This initiative aims to advance Salvadoran sports to new heights.