Practice perfects

“Practice, and keep practicing. It is the only way to get better.” That is the word of advice from Australian Women’s basketball rep Elyse Penaluna, to all the aspiring basketball players in Fiji. Standing at 6 foot 4 inches tall, Penaluna could not be missed while conducting a training session for the Fiji National U20 Youth Women’s team at the Ed’s Court in Raiwaqa. Penaluna has been tagged as one of the top young players in Australia, with unlimited potential. She is in the country with the Australian-based Red Dust Role Models to spread the gospel of basketball. Red Dust uses the influence of positive role models from the field of sports and music to convey health and education messages and Penaluna says she is one lucky member. ‘Shorty’ as she is nicknamed by her friends, expects to help further the sport during her short stay here. “I’ve been going to schools, conducting clinics for the past two days and the kids respond really well,” Penaluna said. “They make it very easy for me because whatever I tell them to do, they take it for granted.” Penaluna is assisted by former Australian professional basketball player, Darren Smith, who has been in the business for the last 10 years.

So the experience they offer to the locals is invaluable. The soft spoken young woman said players in Fiji had a lot of energy and were very fast. A member of the Australian Opals basketball team, Penaluna highlighted the focus during the clinics were to help the participants to get the basics right. “We concentrate on their ball handling skills and shooting,” Penaluna said. The youngest member in her family explained she was introduced to basketball by her friend at school and since then onwards she has never looked back. “I’m the only one in my family playing this sport. Everyone else at home is more into cricket.

Some of ‘Shortys’ career achievement includes being part the Australia U19 and 21 teams, receiving an Australian Institute of Sports scholarship, and representing the Australian Opals. Her next goal is to represent Australia at the World Championships later this year. “Ultimately, I want to be part of the Australian Women’s team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.” The 22-year-old from Melbourne, Australia arrived in Fiji last Saturday and flies back home on Friday. Penaluna works as a waitress back home and said this was here first visit to Fiji. “I’m having an enjoyable time here. The weather is very nice and warm and it’s just lovely here,” she added.

The Fiji Sun Newspaper

07th July 2010

Last Modified on 09/07/2010 16:47

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