Seven Kosraen's received their certificates on Monday 5th May after completing the FIBA Oceania Level 1 Referees Course over the past 4 weeks. It was an occassion for great celebration as this is the first group of Kosraen referees to be certified for a number of years. The course initially included 11 participants, but only those with excellent attendance and hard working attitudes successfully completed the requitements of the course.

Kosrae State Men's Basketball Team Head Coach Daniel Palik said "I'm really proud of all of these guys for putting in such a great effort and getting certified. This is an important step for Kosrae basketball as now we have the referees to hold our own tournaments."

Course Instructor Ryan Burns was also impressed with the speed in which the referees improved their skills throughout the 4 weeks. "They have improved every session and have been doing their very best to follow the advice and instructions that I gave them, that's all I can ask of them. I am looking forward to Kosrae Basketball Association (KBA) running their own small competition from which they can build."

The presentation also doubled as a farewell ceremony for visiting Basketball Expert Mr Ryan Burns. A Special thanks to all those that contributed food for the evening and the gifts that were presented to Mr Burns, he is looking forward to coming back in the future.

The certified Level 1 Referees are Boti Palik, Hans Skilling, Linus Sigrah, Nolte Sigrah, Palik Skilling, Daniel Palik and Yoshio Sigrah.