After a year of waiting, the Oceania National Olympic Committee has awarded Michael Sakazaki an academic/basketball scholarship to any universities within the United states. Michael will be attending Chaminade University and has been accepted as part of the basketball program. Chaminade Silversword is a Division II program.

The Foundation implemented an international sports and academic scholarship programme for young athletes in the region.  A two-year scholarship programme at the Iowa Central Community College for up to eight athletes per year was launched with the assistance of Dan O’Connell the former regional ITF Development Officer.  These scholarships are equally and jointly financed by the Foundation, ONOC Solidarity and the Iowa Central Community College itself.  This is a very exciting initiative by ONOC via our Foundation and will contribute substantially to raising the competitive prowess of a number of our young and aspiring athletes at the same time providing an elevated level of tertiary education to prepare them for life beyond their sporting activities. (http://www.oceaniasport.com/index.php?id=7)

Jason Sakazaki, Michael's father says that "it is a privalege for Michael and
I know he will do his very best to carry this and represent Oceania well.
Like you mention, we hope this leads to further opportunities to student
athletes from Oceania to be recognized and given the chance for higher
learning and athletics at the next level. I know personally Michael took
great pride and responsibility in representing Guam and Oceania at
tournaments abroad, and look forward to him doing so at Chaminade
University and making GBC and ONOC proud."

Steve Smith is confident about Michael as he states, "I am confident that Michael will be a great ambassador for the program, and if he
does step outside the established structure, I hope you will monitor his progress
and make appropriate use of his experience to assist other athletes and to promote
the scholarship opportunity."

Guam Basketball Confederation thanks the ONOC Foundation Committee, Guam National Olympic Committee, FIBA Oceania, Dennis Miller, Dr. Tom Robinson and everyone else that was involved in making this happen.