Young Burkinabe basketball players receive mental health awareness training for stress management in competition

An awareness workshop on mental health was organized for young basketball players participating in the Afrophygital League Burkina, a tournament combining sports and digital innovation. The session, led by psychologists from Peace Psychologie et Expertise, addressed emotions, particularly stress, which is common in competitive situations. Faustine Girard, director of the firm, explained that stress is a normal reaction to a challenging situation and occurs naturally when the body faces a stake or pressure. She emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn to manage it, as poorly managed stress can prevent young athletes from reaching their full potential. The workshop also highlighted self-knowledge as key to personal development and performance, encouraging participants to identify emotions, strengths, and limits, and to seek professional help when needed. Psychologist Sékou Sory stressed the importance of mental preparation in sports, distinguishing between players who execute without ambition and those who set goals, build self-confidence, and develop mental strength. He noted that performance also depends on mental aspects like concentration, motivation, and managing emotions such as fear or doubt. Jean-Christophe Lingani, a young basketball player, shared that he often experiences stress during matches and doesn't know how to manage it, but the workshop provided him with relaxation and breathing techniques. Mental health professionals reiterated that t