Ytrebygda Basketball Club (YBBK) is excited to announce their top role model, Coach David Garcia Lopez, originally from Cartagena, Spain to head the After School Basketball Program at the International School of Bergen (ISB). This initiative is a commitment to creating an environment where children of all skill levels feel welcomed and valued. The program emphasizes fun, focusing on the human connection and the power of role models to inspire and uplift. Whether students are beginners or seasoned players in a local club, they can enjoy a playful and safe setting where their happiness is prioritized.

This is part of a bigger movement where role models play a crucial part to secure a safer environment. Each role model is attentive and present in their surroundings, paying attention to every young person making sure they are seen and heard. This includes no smartphones, having attention to body language, manners, and excellent sportsmanship. The role models set the direction that everyone involved should lead with integrity and by example.

Uniting Through Basketball 

The initiative reflects the philosophy of Ytrebygda Basketball Club: basketball is more than a sport; it’s a tool for building bridges and inspiring the next generation by providing good role models. “This is what basketball is all about,” said Arne Ingebrigtsen, General Manager of Ytrebygda BBK. “It’s a way to bring people together and teach values that last a lifetime.”

This program is part of a broader movement within Fana and Ytrebygda, where the role models of basketball are being used as mentors, a powerful tool for youth development. Arne, a former BLNO player with an impressive 11-season career, launched After School Basketball Program three years ago to inspire children through basketball. What began as an effort to recruit younger kids into the sport has evolved into a mentoring initiative impacting over 300 children weekly across seven schools, including ISB.

ISB is the perfect home for After School Basketball Program with students from 38 different countries, while its staff comprises individuals from 22 nations. These figures reflect ISB’s commitment to creating an inclusive and globally minded environment for everyone that walks through its doors. Over the past decade, ISB has experienced a steady increase in student enrollment, growing from approximately 150 students ten years ago to more than 230 students in recent years. This growth highlights the school’s strong reputation and its dedication to providing high-quality education in an internationally accredited setting.

Locally & Regionally Role Models

Role models from BLNO teams across Bergen; Fyllingen Lions, Froya, Gimle Basket, Ulriken Eagles, and Bergen Elite Basketball, including local basketball stars, actively participate in the program.These players serve as mentors, building connections with children during events in Haukelandshallen, Gimlehallen, and Sandslihallen. After School Basketball Program nurtures a safe environment that shines light on inclusivity and equality. This initiative has created a bond in Bergen that goes beyond basketball. It is a community of togetherness where families and friends of all ages show up for one another and cheer each other on.

Support & Celebration

To celebrate this collaboration, the After School Basketball Program program will also include exciting visits and activities, such as handouts of free tickets to BLNO and ENBL games and BLNO and professional players inviting students to play basketball games together at school in their local gym. These events highlight basketball’s role in the community and its mission to promote a friendly environment of positivity and teamwork.

Meteva Sport og Helse AS and its founder, Louise Mohn, are committed to funding and providing role models and mentoring programs. Reflecting their vision to support and facilitate resources for programs that provide a safe and inclusive environment for children to thrive locally, nationally, and internationally.

Join us in making a difference, one slam dunk at a time.

About Meteva Sport og Helse:

Meteva Sport og Helse is deeply committed to supporting the local basketball community in Bergen and increasing the number of role models. In addition, they are focused on raising awareness of local, national, and international causes while striving to create a healthier, more connected world. As a nonprofit organization, it serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change. Through dedicated efforts, Meteva Sport og Helse facilitates vital resources and enhances the well-being of communities. Founded by Louise Mohn, the organization embodies her vision of collaboration and purpose-driven work to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.

About the International School of Bergen (ISB)

Founded in 1975, the International School of Bergen has more than 50 years of experience in teaching children from all around the world. As an IB World School accredited by NEASC and CIS, ISB provides an internationally relevant education of high academic and social-emotional learning standards.

Through the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), ISB sets up students for success in their learning journeys. Notably, ISB was the first MYP-accredited school, achieving this milestone in 1987.

Being an internationally accredited school allows new families to seamlessly transfer to and integrate with the ISB curriculum when arriving from other international schools. This commitment to excellence and inclusivity makes ISB a trusted choice for families worldwide.

About After School Basketball

Collaboratively presented by Ytrebygda Basketball Club and Kirkevoll Basketball, After School Basketball program gives 1st-4th graders the opportunity to practice basketball during or after school hours. The practices are led by skilled coaches with approved training certifications from NBBF (Norwegian Basketball Federation) and NIF (Norwegian Sports Federation), serving as role models beyond basketball.

Through After School Basketball, school children have the chance to participate and have fun in practices focused on play, mastery, joy, inclusion, and development. The goal is to provide participants with both social and basketball training that challenges them in various aspects through exercises, games, and competitions individually and in groups.

Contact:

For more information, please contact Arne Ingebrigtsen, General Manager of Ytrebygda Basketball Club, at +47 926 83 054 // dagligleder@ytrebygdabasket.no