Basketballs are bouncing everywhere across Oceania, with programs and events in full swing from Papua New Guinea to the Northern Marianas and everywhere in between.
Female development opportunities in basketball across the region are flourishing with Papua New Guinea and Fiji leading the way. Both countries are actively providing opportunities for females with specific Basketball for Good programs being used by WiLead participants to leverage their engagement projects.
With the support of FIBA Oceania and TeamUp, Hoops for Health Schools and Bula Hoops Programs are going strong in Fiji with programs running every day of the week. These programs create safe environments for participants to learn about basketball, personal health and positive community participation. Basketball Fiji are in the process of accrediting referees and bench officials which will enable more qualified volunteers the ability to facilitate basketball programs throughout their communities.
Samoa was fortunate enough to squeeze a Basketball Jamboree in before their country lockdowns were put in place. The Jamboree was done with the support and involvement of FIBA Foundation, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Police, Red Cross, Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Samoa Sports Facilities Authority and TV3. The Jamboree was developed to inspire young people to keep active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation President, James Lee, was awarded Administrator of the Year by the Northern Mariana Sports Association in April with local coaches and athletes also recognised at the event. See all the amazing basketball content being coordinated in CNMI via their Federation Facebook Page.
Sydney is set to host the FIBA Women’s World Cup with tickets now on sale. Leading into the World Cup, Australia will be playing Olympic Silver medallists, Japan, in a mini warm-up series at the end of May.
The inaugural FIBA Micronesia Cup will be held in Guam from June 8 through to June, 11 with from Micronesia, Palau, Guam and Northern Mariana’s competing for the top spot to qualify for the 2023 Pacific Games. Check out the event website for more information.
Men’s teams from Australia and New Zealand are also preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup this July in Indonesia. The Australia Boomers will head into the competition ranked number 3 in the world, with the New Zealand Tall Blacks at number 27 as both teams continue their campaigns to qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup campaigns.