FIJI FEELS AT HOME IN THE FIBA FAMILY

FIBA President Bob Elphinston made a special welcome to the Fiji team at the Technical Meeting prior to the tournament, commenting that this was their first time to attend such an event and the meeting applauded the Fiji contingent as a further welcome.  Additionally President Bob came to the Fiji dressing room following their game against Spain and congratulated the players and Coach on the way the team fought out the game until the very end.  Although clearly outclassed, he said that the Fiji team displayed the character of a team that did not give in.  He also said that to his knowledge Fiji was the smallest country to ever attend a world basketball event and congratulated all on achieving such an honour.

At the formal FIBA function held for all attending teams, President Bob again singled out the Fiji representatives, Basketball Fiji President, Mr Iowane Naivalurua and FASANOC Secretary General, Mr Atma Marajah and again they received a round of applause. 

The BF President made presentations of various gifts such as tanoas (kava bowl) and wooden plates to the President of FIBA, FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann and the President and CEO of the Spanish Federation.

In addition other FIBA personnel made us all feel extremely welcome, such as the Tournament Commissioner Lubo Kotleba, FIBA IT Manager Wolfram Klug and FIBA Press Director Marcos Beltra.

Basketball Fiji says a BIG VINAKA to all the FIBA family who made us feel like we really did belong.




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