Oskaras Visockas from Year 9, and Emilis Zibuda from Year 10, were chosen from a selection camp recently held in Manchester. Both students transferred to Ormiston Park Academy in order to be trained by star basketball coach Diana Naydenova, former professional basketball player and European Championship finalist.
This recent success follows continuing victory on the basketball court for Park students, with the U14 team qualifying for the national semi-finals, which are coming up soon. As a result, the U14 team are currently top four in England.
Diana was recently awarded the accolade of Enrichment Champion at OAT, in recognition of her commitment to the basketball programme she has set up, which promotes a real sense of belonging, respect and a determination to succeed in all areas of school and life.
The academy is looking forward to building on its basketball triumphs to continue to inspire more and more students to take up a new sport and learn valuable skills, including teamwork and leaving your comfort zone.
Mark Roessler, Principal at Ormiston Park Academy said:
“We are absolutely delighted that two of our students have qualified for England’s U14 basketball team, which is very well-deserved. Alongside the rest of our basketball players at the academy, the students have worked incredibly hard to improve their skills and serve as a real inspiration to all of us. I am looking forward to cheering on the whole team as they represent us in the England semi-finals.”