The 2026 FIBA Europe Mini Basketball Convention & Coaching Course turned the Macedonian capital into a hub of youthful energy, bringing together more than three hundred children from fifty youth clubs and over one hundred fifty coaches for a week of on‑court drills, classroom sessions and collaborative activities.
A week of courts, classrooms and conversation
Held at the National Basketball Arena in Skopje, the event blended skill‑building clinics with workshops on safeguarding, inclusive play and the newest additions to the Basketball For Good Playbook. Participants moved between stations, listened to short talks and took part in team‑building exercises designed to foster cooperation across diverse groups.
Leadership sets the tone
FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa met with representatives of the North Macedonian Basketball Federation to discuss long‑term youth development pathways, while Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak delivered the opening address, praising the enthusiasm of the youngsters and the dedication of the coaches.
Specialist Sergio Lara Bercial oversaw the festival schedule, coordinating a program that featured practical coaching clinics and panel discussions with experts such as Maurizio Cremonini, Michael Huth, Milena Moulisova, Radmila Turner, Theren Bullock Jr., Miroslaw Krugolec, Mladen Gjurovski and Tomche Stojchevski.
Looking ahead to 2027
The convention concluded with a forward‑looking statement: the next edition will take place in the summer of 2027, building on the partnerships forged during the event. Organizers highlighted the role of the FIBA Foundation and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia in expanding the reach of basketball‑based social programmes across the region.