Timor-Leste's 'Mum's a Hero' coaches ready to make a difference

The Federacao Nacional De Basquetebol Timor-Leste (FNBTL)'s 'Mum's a Hero' program is funded by the Australian Government under the Asia Sports Partnerships program and is supported by FIBA in Oceania until September 2016. It is designed to encourage more females to participate in basketball activities and live healthier lifestyles. The program is aimed at mothers in communities who can have an impact on the habits of their families. FNBTL intends to partner with women's support groups in Dili, such as Fokupers, to deliver the program and show their support for the empowerment of women and children in Timor-Leste.

The coaches workshop was extremely successful with 17 participants of whom all graduated to become FNBTL 'Mum's a Hero' coaches. The program was officially launched at the conclusion of the week-long workshop. This event included a graduation ceremony and 3x3 tournament for the participants in the workshop.

FIBA and FNBTL believe the 'Mum's a Hero' program is going to be a very positive initiate for the community and especially the women of Timor-Leste. It was very fitting that these festivities took place just before International Women's Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. But it is also a time to reflect on how women are currently treated in our respective societies.

Rachael Moore of the Australian High Commission was in attendance for the launch and even got in on the action, handing over the ceremonial shot to one of the coaches and tossing the coin to open the 3x3 tournament.

“Especially in the wake of International Women’s Day, FIBA and FNBTL in conjunction with the Australian Government are very proud to bring this program to the people of Timor-Leste. We all feel that the FNBTL's ‘Mum’s a Hero’ coaches are going to be able to make a big difference in the community and help a lot of people. - La Fleur”

As a mother herself, this program is close to La Fleur's heart. Having grown up in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in her early life and then going on to represent Australia at international level, La Fleur knows what basketball can do to bring communities together and how it can be an avenue of support.

FIBA