Boston Basketball Club of Raiwaqa is on its way to create history at being the first club to host a tournament. The initiative once a dream will soon become a reality following timely sponsorship from Post Fiji. BBC media liaison officer
Eroni Cinavi said in the past tournaments were normally organized by
either the parent body- Fiji Basketball or the Raiwaqa Basketball
Association which they are affiliated to. “This year for the first
time in the history of basketball we (Boston Basketball Club) will be
hosting a tournament compared to past years; we will become the first
club to host a tournament thanks to Post Fiji,” said Cinavi. Cinavi added the BBC has
a proud tradition of nurturing talent at grassroots level and have
enjoyed a positive impact on the Raiwaqa community - a community once
notorious for its high crime rate. “The club has a proud
tradition of developing young boys and girls, more importantly the club
has had a positive impact on the lives of the Raiwaqa youth, their
families and the community.” By hosting the tournament Cinavi says will not only strengthen the club, but encourage other clubs to do the same thing. “And in the big picture
strengthens the association and basketball as a whole. It’s a learning
process - one we are looking forward to taking on as a challenge. We as a club have
identified some weaknesses in past tournaments and hoping to improve on
areas such as officiating, timing and quality referees controlling the
game. “As it is everyone of us
have been given a role to play in the organization of the tournament so
its teaching us leadership qualities as well - taking on the different
roles. “We have Post Fiji to
thank for making this a reality. It’s something that we have always
talked about but were reluctant to venture into because of the lack of
funds. We are very grateful to them for their continuous support for the development of basketball in Raiwaqa and Fiji as a whole.” The tournament is
expected to attract big names in the local basketball arena. Already
eight men’s teams have confirmed their participation. “But we are looking at hosting 16 men’s teams and six women’s teams. And to all the interested
clubs we have lucrative prizes at stake. So you not only get to gauge
your chances against the other clubs but also get a chance to take back
some money.” The men’s winner stand to
walk away with $600, runners-up gets $250, the losing semifinalists get
$100 each whilst the best player will be awarded a $50 shopping
voucher. In the ladies category,
the winner will receive $400, the runners-up will get $200, the two
losing semifinalists will get $50 each whilst the best lady player will
get to walk home with a $50 shopping voucher.
The tournament is scheduled for March 11-13.
Source: The Fiji Sun Newspaer
25th February, 2010
Last Modified on 26/02/2010 15:06
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