"Mum's a Hero is one of Basketball Fiji's initiatives under the Hoops for Health program which seeks to use the sport of basketball to raise awareness of NCD's and NCD risks in middle-aged women although the program is open to women of all ages. This awareness program will help those that take part gain a knowledge of living healthy and the importance of maintaining these standards of living.

The participants take part in an aerobics session, learn some basketball skills, and then listen as a dietician omes in to speak to the women about nutrition. "Growing up in the villiage, we are always taught that at a certain age women stop playing outside with the other kids and that our place is in the house, cleaning or cooking. Today I learnt that being physically active, even if it's for 30 minutes, helps me stay healthy. This aerobics session was very new to me and fun. It made me feel yound again", Mere Tora, a participating mother mentioned as she watched and cheered for her grandsons who were taking part in the 3x3 Westren Jam. "This program is perfect for middle-aged women and mothers who don't get out often enough and have office jobs that require them to sit down all day. With this program they spend some time exercising and playig gmes and learning good eating habits to teach their families." William Qounadovu, Hoops for Health Coach from Suva, commented about the "mum's a Hero" program. 

Following "Mum's a Hero", was the first official 3x3 day tournament sponsored by the Hoops for Health program and delivered by Basketball Fiji in partnership with the Lautoka Basketball Association. 3x3 basketball is a shorter version of a normal 5 on 5 basketball game with just a few changes to the rules. This version of basketball is easier to play and it can be played anywhere. All that is needed is 1 hoop, 2 teams of 4 players, a ref and a ball. 33 was introduced earlier this year by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a way of developing the sport as well as an opportunity for players to make it into world championship qualifiers and the world championships.

The Lautoka basketball players were excited about the first 3x3 tournament and they came out in number to take part. There were also players from Nadi and Suva who wanted to be a part of the event and support Lautoka basketballers. 12 teams registered for the 3x3 Western Jam at the courts. A shooting competition was held before the finals and the winners walked away with prize money. "All in all, today was a great day" were Leah Seru's remarks concluding the events for the day in Lautoka.

The Hoops for Health program is funded by the Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Pacific Sports Partnerships program. The program was piloted with Basketball Fiji from 2014, and has now extended to Basketball Federations in Vanuatu, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.