Global Sports Partners (GSP) representatives in Oman have taken meaningful strides towards skill development and inclusivity by launching two innovative academies catering to diverse groups of young athletes. These initiatives are led by GSP Oman Basketball Coach, Drew Geoghagan. The first initiative, the Adaptive Academy, stands as a beacon of support for students with special needs, encompassing both cognitive and physical challenges. This academy offers a rotational sports curriculum, ensuring students receive comprehensive exposure to various sports and skill sets on a quarterly basis.
In parallel, the American Hoops Academy caters to both boys and girls aged 7-18. It is focused on honing basketball skills and fostering character growth among participants. Many students in this academy are experiencing team sports, particularly basketball, for the first time, underlining the transformative impact of the program. GSP Oman is particularly encouraged by the increased participation of girls in the basketball academy, providing them with valuable opportunities in sports engagement.
Noteworthy testimonials from parents and coaches underscore the profound impact of these academies. A parent from the Adaptive Academy expressed gratitude for the program, “Please don’t leave. We don’t have any other academy like this. The kids need this.” The engagement numbers reflect the growing interest and impact of both academies, with American Hoops Academy witnessing participation from a diverse group of boys and girls, and the Adaptive Academy fostering inclusivity with a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers.
“We are honored at GSP Oman to help kids with special needs. They desire to play sports and live life to the fullest like their neurotypical peers. It is a joy to help them feel valued and see the excitement on their faces.” – GSP Oman Basketball Coach, Drew Geoghagan
As the season has ended for both academies, GSP Oman sets its sights on the next season. Programs will resume in August and September, alongside collaborative events with partner, Decathlon Oman, to promote program awareness and engagement. The team aims to expand the academy in 2025 with establishing an additional adaptive night in another locality.
GSP Oman would like to thank Decathlon Oman for hosting an event to kickstart the inaugural season in November 2023. The team would also like to thank ABQ Seeb International School for the partnership and allowing them to use their school facilities, Eshraq Rehabilitation Center for their friendship and advocacy as the academy began and Connie Halfaker for contributing to the very first adaptive session. All these partners played pivotal roles in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for young athletes with diverse needs.
GSP Oman's unwavering commitment to empowering young athletes, fostering inclusivity, and developing talent shines brightly through these transformative academies, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all participants.