A new Executive Committee for the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) has been elected.

The election took place at 2pm on Sunday July 30 at the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Conference room.

The election was witnessed by the Director of FIBA Oceania David Crocker.

Brian Pongotapu was re-elected as president, Eric Malcolm as vice president, Treasurer Eric Meneses, General Secretary Hayzel Maui and three new members namely Fa’amoana Topue, Timmy Magi and Augustine Basia.

The new executive was known following the votes of eight members of the SIBF namely D-fenders, Pinoy, Marist Basketball club, Honiara Basketball League, Hurricanes, Solomon Australian Basketball Association and Bellona Basketball Association.

Speaking after the election newly elected president, Pongotapu thanked FIBA Oceania boss, David Crocker for his presence during the election, the interim board for making it possible for the elections. He said it is not an easy task to manage basketball in the country and admitted there are few things to sort out before and calls on the new executive to work together with the new vice president for the betterment of basketball in the country.

“Thank you FIBA Oceania to be here and to witness the election of the new board. “I would like to call on the new executive to forget about the past and work together. “I would also like to thank all the stakeholders and we look forward to working together more as we prepare for 2023,” he said.

FIBA Oceania Director David Crocker congratulated the new executive and vows FIBA’s support. He made the same call for all to work together and develop basketball in the country, especially for the 2023 Pacific Games. Crocker reminded the new executive that the 2023 Pacific Games is not far for basketball to set up and play.

“Congratulations to the new board and for getting support and thanks to interim committee to support the election process at SIBF. “I’m pleased to see turnout and support. “FIBA Oceania looks forward to work with the new board. “Get all support of basketball in Solomon Islands in one direction and focus on 2023 as an anchor point. “I call on all players, officials to support the new board. “We will be back in 2020 to see how things progress so let’s get on with the sport,” he said.

Ends// Article by Carlos Aruafu, Sports Reporter, Solomon Star Newspaper