Implementation of the National Federation’s new strategic plan is underway and the first item of call for Basketball Papua New Guinea in 2017 is to boost the numbers of coaches and officials.

BFPNG will work in partnership with the PNGSF High Performance department and the PNGOC to deliver free, upskilling workshops next week at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

Over three-days the organizations will be combining the delivery of two dynamic courses. The first being the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) Community Coach & Official Course and the second being the Hoops for Health (H4H) Coach Accreditation Course.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants will earn themselves both OSEP Community Coach & Official certification, along with H4H Coach accreditation.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu said the goal of the course was to increase the Federation’s number of certified coaches and officials, while also developing their skill-sets.

“We have a lot of people helping build our sport as both coaches and officials, without having any formalized training.” Khalu said.

“Through this course we can help up-skill those who are doing good things and also get them a recognized accreditation.”

“We’re not just focusing on those who are currently involved with Basketball however. We also want to use this course to encourage others who have an interest in hoops to come along and learn some new skills.”

“For some this will be the exciting first step on their new journey’s as BFPNG coaches and officials.”

Registrations for the free, three-day course are open until 5pm on Thursday, February 16. Anybody interested can contact BFPNG for more information on 7326 3023 or admin@basketballpng.com