The Fiji Basketball Federation kick-started preparations for their mission to the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games with a team assembly and motivational session headed by president Ioane Naivalurua at Ed's Court in Raiwaqa on Saturday.

The men's and women's squads, made up of a mixture of experienced and professional players, and younger players, were present to hear from their president who didn't mince his words when he hammered home the message that teams were to base their efforts on the formula of having intent, using methodology to achieve results, and focussing on a desired end state of their quest to bring back gold from the Games.

Naivalurua delivered the message that in order to be successful, squad members needed to look after not only their physical and fitness state, but also focus on keeping the right frame of mind, and emotional and spiritual state. He also focused largely on the new direction that Fiji Basketball was taking, and the commitment needed to change for the better, from all levels involved in the sport.

During his session Naivalurua also introduced new committee members, Michael Whippy and Peniasi Kainamoli, as well as team managers, Willie Kwansing and Tamara Smith.

Kwansing said, "We have two young internationally qualified and well-trained coaches, Lai Puamau and Saula Koroi, who will be supported by us managers. We are excited to bring our skills and experience in, to assist the teams to focus on winning nothing less than gold."

Included in the session was a breakdown of fundraising and marketing efforts undertaken by the federation.

Secretary Jackie Low said, "Basketball Fiji will shortly launch a marketing campaign to build up our support and sponsorship for preparation and tournaments leading up to the Games. Already we have secured long-term sponsorship from manufacturers BLK for uniforms and games kits.

"We only have one goal for the Pacific Games and that is to win gold. We are committed to achieving this through hard work and dedication."

Players were asked to commit to seeking support from their friends and families, to complement the work done by the Federation, to achieve financial stability needed to drive a successful outing.

Both the men's and women's teams endured three time-trials earlier this year, to make it on to the training squads.

There are 135 days left before the Pacific Games which starts on July 4.

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Fiji Times Article (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)