My

Story

Kobe

“My name is Kobe. I was born in the state of Aragua, Venezuela, and I grew up mainly on the coast in a town called Ocumare de la Costa. I come from a very humble family; my goal is to be an example for them. I want to let people know that things can be achieved, that the world can be changed for the better.

As things got a bit critical in Venezuela, I didn’t have much money due to the economic situation. So, my aunt gave me the opportunity to go abroad. The trip was the most painful moment for me and my family, because I had never been separated from them before. However, I wanted to support them. That’s how my life in Ecuador began. Since then, I worked at the pool for only 4 hours at night, in the morning, I went to the court to play basketball.

At first, I played only with Ecuadorian teams, but there were quite a few Venezuelans in Santo Domingo due to the crisis in our country. One day, my mentor came up with the idea: “Why don’t we create a Venezuelan basketball team, since there are none?” The idea was so compelling that we started to form the team with some friends and I was on the court a lot so I progressed in my evolution in basketball. When I trained, the kids would soon see me and say wow, how do you play like that? I want to be like you. They asked for advice, and I explained. The feeling that someone admires you is great.

Because of this, I came to the Young Coach Education programme motivated. I want to create a safe space for children and vulnerable Venezuelan migrants to participate and receive trainings in sports, addressing topics of mental health and nutrition. Such activities would be very beneficial, as many parents work. I want parents to know that there is an organisation who wants to provide a viable education for their children, helping them become good individuals in the future.

So, the Young Coach Education is excellent; it seeks people who do not have opportunities. Now that I know the other guys of the education, I feel very proud because there are young people here who want to do good, who want to learn, and contribute to society. Some are born with the doors of opportunities open, and some are born with the doors closed. I love that you offer us the tools to open this door. In this world, there are wars, there are bad things, but there is also good. Sharing stories during the programme was excellent, as the exchange of culture and knowledge is crucial for both my personal growth and for the people I will teach tomorrow.”