RKS Sports Master, Penaia Qalituraga initiated the clinics recently with an approach to Basketball Fij to try to get sports other than rugby played at the school.  Celebrating its 100 year anniversay this year, RKS (an all boys school) has been the largest boarding school in Fiji until recently when a fire in one of the dormitories caused the student numbers to be reduced from over 1,000 to just 600.  RKS has a proud tradition as a rugby school but with limited opportunities in rugby for ongoing participation due to the school competition, Master Penaia wants to introduce other sports to RKS.  Basketball was a former sport at RKS but died out, however the court is still in good repair and with some new backboards to be erected soon will become a good facility again.  

The boys particpated in a clinic for 40 minutes before starting to play games in teams.  For many this was their first taste of playing basketball but they showed quickly that they could learn and by the end of the day, it seemed like they had been playing for weeks.  Many of the boys have very good athleticism and so could become members of the NDP in the future.

The plan is to teach the boys some basic skills so that they can play within the school.  BF NBDO Fanny, presented 2 basketballs to the Vice Principal for in school use.  Master Penaia said that they would also play basketball within their PE classes from now on.

With QVS, another all boys boarding schoo,l just up the road it is envisaged that once RKS is established, AYAD Mark will visit QVS and get them going also with basketball.  Then later, the two schools can play as part of the NSSBL in the northern division and later send teams to the National Schools Championship.  This initiative will boost basketball numbers dramatically among the junior ages. 

AYAD Mark and Kelevi will vist the school each Friday until end of term and then next year the intra-mural competition will start.