Fiji basketball ref officiates at Europe finals

BASKETBALL Fiji referee Navitalai Naivalu left the country yesterday for his biggest assignment in Ukraine. The 29-year-old has been invited to officiate at the FIBA European Under-16 Championship which starts today and will run until August 20.

Naivalu who has been officiating for Basketball Fiji for more than 15 years is thrilled with the opportunity and hoping to gain international experience through this event.

He said his stint in Ukraine would eventually help the referees and officials in the country. "It's a big boost for my career since we are trying to start a referees and officials association in Fiji, this is a stepping stone for all of us to become better in future," the Suva Grammar School teacher said. "I'm honoured to be invited in this competition and I hope to pass the knowledge and experience I gain at the tournament to the referees in Fiji."

Naivalu, who is also a former national athlete having represented the country at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, said his ultimate goal was to officiate at regional events on a regular basis. "The interest of becoming a referee came about when I started playing basketball for Macpacers, the only Raiwai club in the Raiwaqa club competition," the Kuku, Bau native said. "My inspiration is the players whom I officiate. "We learn from each other and every game is like a new experience for me."

Naivalu is hoping to start working with referees in Suva and Lautoka area upon his return.

Source: The Fiji Times Newspaper

Monday 5th August 2013

 




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