International Basketball Association (FIBA) Oceania Zone Development manager, Annie La Fleur’s main motive is to develop facilities in the region. Fleur was in the country to assess development programmes of Basketball Fiji from last week.

She told SUNsports during her farewell at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence yesterday that the region would have to upgrade the facilities to improve competition. “Players need to train and play in good facilities and resources should be well maintained and if we get funds to do that the regions will prosper.

“I believe the region is moving towards the right direction and I’m sure if things remain this way and get better, they will be ready to battle with other top teams in the world,” Fleur said.
Fleur was impressed with the development programme in Fiji starting from grassroot level right up to the national level. She applauded Basketball Fiji’s development officer, Laisiasa Puamau for what he has contributed to the sport.

“Fiji’s development officers are doing a great job and I can see that there is a lot of hard work being done and basketball in Fiji is just growing magnificently to the level we expect,” she added. “I really enjoyed the students competition in Fiji; they will be having their annual competition in August and this weekly competition is assisting them to familiarise themselves with the rules.” The former Australia basketball rep believes if the Oceania region puts in extra hard work then all teams will be successful.

“This is my first year as region development officer and I will continue to work with all island teams to do well in international level. “My main message to these teams if they put their minds onto the sports and take pride in developing the sport in their own areas then they will be successful.”
Fleur was a member of the Australian team at the 2000 Olympic Games that won silver and have also participated in the Women’s World Championships in 1994 and 1998 in Germany.

She also played for the Sydney Flames team in the Australian basketball league from 1994-2001.

 Source: Fiji Sun Newspapers on July 17, 2013