The U.S. Marines serving at Embassy Nicosia conducted an afternoon basketball workshop for high school students at the Namik Kemal Lycee in Famagusta

The U.S. Marines serving at Embassy Nicosia conducted an afternoon basketball workshop for high school students at the Namik Kemal Lycee in Famagusta. On Friday, May 8, 2009, Sergeant Loreto Malvone and Sergeant Kendrick Reed showed the students some basketball moves and led a workshop in basic skills, such as passing the ball, scoring free throws, and playing defense. Afterwards, the students played a full-court game while some of their fellow classmates cheered on using homemade pom-poms. In addition to playing ball, the Marines spoke with the students about the history of basketball, a sport that was first invented and played in Massachusetts.

The Marines even tried to stump the students with a quiz on NBA players and teams, but the young basketball enthusiasts easily answered every single question. The students all participate in the Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship program, which began in February 2008 and now reaches over 150 students between the ages of 14 and 16. In addition to their English-language instruction, the students learn about American culture through guest speakers and cultural outings.