FSM Basketball and the 2007 Pacific Games
On April 14, 2006 the FSM Basketball Federation submitted a proposal to the FSMNOC outlining a plan for national men and women's teams to compete in the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa.
The plan is another important step in the establishment of a national basketball program that is designed to carry FSM basketball to the next level. In the FSM Games and Micronesian Games the four states of the FSM - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap - compete separately. It is not until the Pacific Games, or an Oceania basketball tournament, that there is the opportunity for the FSM to select national teams.
It is obvious that national teams are stronger than one state team, and it provides the opportunity for the elite basketball players of our nation to experience a more competitive level of basketball. Thus, this national basketball program is the next logical step in the development of the sport.
FIBA Oceania showed it strong support in a letter to the FSMNOC in which it pointed out that:
* Basketball has the opportunity to provide gender equity.
* Basketball has been one of the most watched team sports at both the SPG and Mini SPGs.
* This event will give them the opportunity to broaden the community appeal of basketball, increase popularity and show the Federated States of Micronesia how the game should be played.
Basketball is one of the few sports in the FSM which is dedicated to the idea of national teams. The FSMBF believes that the selection of the very best players from throughout the nation will result in more competitive teams, allow for these teams to compete in more diverse and a higher level of competition and, most important, develop a sense of nationalism.
The plan is another important step in the establishment of a national basketball program that is designed to carry FSM basketball to the next level. In the FSM Games and Micronesian Games the four states of the FSM - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap - compete separately. It is not until the Pacific Games, or an Oceania basketball tournament, that there is the opportunity for the FSM to select national teams.
It is obvious that national teams are stronger than one state team, and it provides the opportunity for the elite basketball players of our nation to experience a more competitive level of basketball. Thus, this national basketball program is the next logical step in the development of the sport.
FIBA Oceania showed it strong support in a letter to the FSMNOC in which it pointed out that:
* Basketball has the opportunity to provide gender equity.
* Basketball has been one of the most watched team sports at both the SPG and Mini SPGs.
* This event will give them the opportunity to broaden the community appeal of basketball, increase popularity and show the Federated States of Micronesia how the game should be played.
Basketball is one of the few sports in the FSM which is dedicated to the idea of national teams. The FSMBF believes that the selection of the very best players from throughout the nation will result in more competitive teams, allow for these teams to compete in more diverse and a higher level of competition and, most important, develop a sense of nationalism.
Last Modified on 22/04/2006 23:07
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