Basketball in Final Phase

BASKETBALL Fiji is in the final phase of preparation for the FIBA Oceania U19 Championship which will be held at the Vodafone Arena from December 1 to 6.

Organisers have been working round-the-clock to ensure the venue and logistics were worked out before the arrival of the teams.

Australia, New Zealand and Guam will be the first teams to touch our shores while New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tahiti are expected to be in by this weekend.

The BLK Fiji men's and women's teams will compete with these nine international teams for a spot in the World U19 Championship.

Head of the organising committee Lai Puamau said the Fiji Sports Council, a major partner for the tournament, was finalising renovation works and upgrading the facilities to international standard.

"Fiji is going to be viewed by many through the presentation of the facility," Puamau said.

"Ten international teams and referees will be accommodated at the University of the South Pacific which is anticipated to house close to more than 320 athletes, referees, bench officials and volunteers from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, PNG, Samoa, American Samoa, Tahiti, Solomon Island and Fiji."

The welcoming dinner reception for team captains and team officials will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Sunday between 5pm and 6pm.

The event is sponsored by Tanoa Hotel Group.

Tanoa Plaza Hotel (Suva) general manager Mere Rakoroi said the Reddy Group, owners of the Tanoa Hotels were proud to be part of the championship.

"With international visitors coming to our shores for the event, organisation and portrayal of the tournament will not only impact Basketball Fiji and those directly participating but the nation as a whole," Rakoroi said.

"It is a big boost to our local talent. Overseas participants should take back good memories of our beautiful country and Reddy Group has always strived to contribute positively to this. Reddy Group is honoured to be associated with FIBA."

 

Source: <http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=287181>

Rashneel Kumar
Tuesday, November 25, 2014




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