The Tuckers Ice Cream 3×3 Basketball Championship allows players to recognise and be involved in the sport.

The new initiative by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has inspired 11-year-old Jooba Saud to continue with her passion for the game.

Saud, whose parents are from Karachi, Pakistan, was born in China and has been living in Fiji for 18 months. She was surprised that basketball was popular among other sports here in Fiji. “My dad, Saud Minam, got transferred to Fiji for his job and since being here, it has been really nice,” Saud said.

“Basketball is my favourite sport and I have been playing basketball for the past five years now. I first played basketball when we were living in Jakarta, Indonesia when I attended Jakarta International School. “When I first moved here, I thought that there wasn’t going to be any basketball because in overseas, Fiji is known to be a rugby nation. “But then I realised there was a lot of basketball played here and a lot of people who take up the sport, so that was a good change for me.”

The International School student said the tournament had been enjoyable for her and a stepping stone for her goal to pursue basketball. “The competition is really fun, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the sport and improve on my skills.

“I play in school but I’m too young right now to be a part of the school team but I’m aiming to play next year.

The Tuckers Ice Cream 3×3 Basketball Championship is a build-up for students for the Tuckers Ice Cream National Secondary School Basketball Championship which kicks off tomorrow.

Results: U14 Mixed; Sharks1 15-5 BLNT, U18 Girls; Silver ferns 7-5 The wanted squad, U18 Boys; Mights 6-7 Mighty Mights3, Open Grade Women; Bratz 4-6 Sparks and Open Grade Mens; USP5 11-9 Bryce.

Source: Fiji Sun Newspaper on 23rd August 2015