The Seventh GAM3 practice in Qas Qas, Beirut

As the seventh practice of GAM3 was under way the full swing of spring’s weather took hold across this city of two million people, the sun opening the skies with the bright rays of summer minus its oppressive humidity. I’d say it was about seventy-five degrees when I arrived, just in time to catch Coach Mohammed wrapping up some chest pass drills. He then transitioned directly into a set of exercises designed to help the ball holder work on his dribbling technique while a defender attempts to swipe from behind.

And though the boys of all ages are progressing well, the girls, as might be expected, seem just a bit better at following instructions. They stood in line as, one after another, they took turns dribbling towards the basket, then going straight for the lay-up.

Just as Lebanon’s political situation has been calm, minus the usual volley of words, so have been the Sunday mornings here in Qas Qas, Beirut. The kids are getting to know their coaches and each other better and, after every passing week, more and more shots are finding their way into the hoop. After practice, apparently bitten by the basketball bug, the coaches found themselves in a half court game with the oldest boys. It finished without a winner after the coach for the middle group of boys sprained his ankle. He dunked his leg in ice then wrapped it and looks good-to-go for next Sunday, but there probably won’t be any dunk competitions for him any time soon.