35 youngsters attending KMS SkolaSport sessions

KMS SkolaSport offers children a choice from a good selection of sports and venues in order to encourage them to become more active and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

A number of coaches, within the KMS SkolaSport programme dedicate their time to instil their love for the sport in their young students.

One such coach is Samantha Tabone who has been coaching basketball with KMS SkolaSport for the past three years.

In this year's KMS programme, she is presently assisting the men's national team coach, Bruno Di Pietrantonio, during the basketball sessions where a total of 35 children, 16 boys and 19 girls, are taking part.

At the same time, Tabone is reading a university degree to become a physical education (PE) teacher.

"I think that the course I am following is providing me with the right knowledge and pedagogy to teach the children new skills, irrespective of their abilities," Tabone said.

"Getting to know the children is one of the most important aspects of coaching. Once you get to know the participants, you can adapt your teaching style.

"In the past years, students have shown a particular aptitude for basketball and were encouraged to practise more regularly. In fact, 10 participants from last year's basketball class within the KMS SkolaSport programme have now joined a basketball club and are competing in the national Under-15 and Under-17 leagues."

KMS SkolaSport is organised by the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and is sponsored by Kellogg's for the 11th consecutive year as part of its commitment to promoting the benefits of a balanced diet, coupled with an active and healthy lifestyle.

For further information about basketball, where sessions are held every Saturday morning at the KMS Marsa Sports Complex, as well as any other sport discipline practised at the KMS SkolaSport, one may contact the Programmes Section at the KMS Head

Office either on tel. 21660658/9, via e-mail: programmes@ sportsmalta.org.mt or visit the KMS

website www.sportsmalta.org.mt.