BASKETBALL Fiji president Ioane Naivalurua is calling on Fijians to come in numbers to support the national sides in the FIBA USP Oceania Basketball Under-19 Championship which starts today.

The week-long tournament will host 10 teams at Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Naivalurua said they needed support for the BLK Fiji men's and women's teams to do well in the tournament.

The FIBA USP Oceania U19 Championship will serve as the qualifier for the World U19 Championship.

The other teams that will be participating in the tournament include Australia, New Zealand, Guam, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tahiti.

"I encourage all you out there to come and support and cheer for your team Fiji," Naivalurua said.

"You need to come and cheer for the young men and women when the game starts on Monday.

"I believe this is all in line with Government's policy on sports diplomacy where sports is a platform to grow our young generations, bring people together, create an environment or platform where we can play harmoniously in sports."

In the opening match, Australia will take on American Samoa in the women's grade at 1pm.

The ticket price is $3 for those above 13 years old.

On the final day, the ticket prices will be $3 for adults, children between the ages (7-12 years) will be $1 and children under six years free.

Games are anticipated to begin at 1pm with the last match scheduled for 7pm.

<http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=287819>
Rashneel Kumar
Monday, December 01, 2014