SUVA (Fiji) – In a series of activities conducted throughout the country during the school holidays, Basketball Fiji and its member associations have engaged the community in growing the sport.

In the central division, the federation collaborated with Fiji Sports Council to host holiday clinics that provided the opportunity for students to get involved and learn the skills of basketball. This clinic targeted the young and the primary school students.

This initiative was also reflected by the Central Basketball Association who organized a Youth Challenge for the Under 15 and Under 19 categories. The Challenge involved 17 teams, which included 6 girls' teams and 11 boys' teams.

Similar initiatives were organized for the Western division, where the federation has conducted 2-week holiday clinic in Lautoka. The programme ran from 8am to 12pm daily and was conducted in four categories commencing with the Bula Hoops session, followed by Under 15, 17 and 19 grades respectively.

Reflecting on her experience, Aahana Shaista Rohit, a 14-year-old, Form 3 student of Lautoka Central College says,

“I have just started playing basketball during this clinic and I’ve learnt skills such as bouncing, dribbling and shooting and it’s a very interesting sport.”  

She is excited and looks forward to continuing learning and playing her newfound sport.

Basketball Fiji Chief Operations Officer, Laisiasa Puamau, who took a lead role in facilitating the Lautoka basketball clinic reiterates that it is vital for sporting opportunities and clinics to be provided to students and communities across the country.

“Too often, sports holiday clinics are conducted in the Central division, however it is vital that we provide similar opportunities in other divisions to get our communities involved, and to also assist parents looking to provide their kids with something constructive and positive over the school break. Thus, having well organized sports programmes in a safe space will encourage kids from diverse background to participate.”

Registering 21 teams, Nadi Basketball Association also successfully hosted their first 3x3 Challenge of the year which included senior and age-group youth categories in both male and female divisions.

A referees clinic conducted in Nadi by one of Basketball Fiji’s elite match officials, Reijeli Ravitu, added more dynamics and diversity to growing the sport. The course was attended by both senior and youth officials.

All holiday programmes, clinics, competition and training courses, have an aim at engaging the community, providing a positive and safe space for all ages and encouraging female participation.

 

 Basketball Fiji Media