Maple Ridge Youth Basketball (MRYB) alumni Larry Rousey Zambia bound

14/02/2014

Africa is calling Larry Rousey.
The Maple Ridge Youth Basketball (MRYB) alumni (who also currently works for the organization) recently found out he will be will be making the trip in May, as part of the Sport Science program at Douglas College.
Twenty-one-year-old Rousey, who is in his second year at Douglas, also heads MRYB’s local Steve Nash Youth Basketball program for boys in grades 4 to 7.
In addition, he is an assistant coach with the Under-13 Boys Elite team that plays in Basketball BC’s Metro League.
Rousey said that being selected for the trip was a three-step process that involved information sessions, an application process, and finally, an interview.
In total, 10 students from Douglas College were chosen for the trip, but each will be doing their own thing related to their specific field of study once in Africa, explained Rousey.
The trip is through Douglas College’s Global Leadership program, which sends students on three-month, volunteer work placements at non-profit organizations in Zambia.
The goal is to provide a rich learning experience through training, immersion and work placements.
Students were matched with placements based on their academic, professional, and personal background.
Rousey’s interest and expertise in the fields of education, sport and youth leadership made him a natural fit for the Zambia Ministry of Youth and Sport – an organization that fosters community development through sport.
“I feel like it’s a blessing to be able to go to Africa and do this,” Rousey said.
The placement lasts from May 6 to Aug. 14.
During his three months in Zambia, Rousey will travel extensively throughout the districts of the provinvce, establishing a youth basketball program, facilitating leadership and team dynamics and conducting coaching clinics.
Even though the experience will no doubt be priceless, the cost of the program is $3,800.
And students are expected to fundraise for their trip in advance of their departure.
To help out one of their own, the MRYB is now selling “Zambia 2014” T-shirts, with all proceeds going towards Rousey’s trip.
Shirts can be ordered through the MRYB’s website at www.mryb.com or by contacting Katie Mcleod at [email protected].
For more on the placement program itself, people can visit: www.douglife.ca/zambia-glp.