Mr Smith spoke to the players about their chance to experience a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level of basketball in the world.  He urged the players to use this experience to set higher goals for the future, both individually and as a team.  While Fiji basketball teams have enjoyed excellent success at previous FIBA Oceania tournaments, this step up in the level of competition would be one they will never forget.  He also told the conference that now the Fiji Women's Team was ranked 58 in the world (out of 213 countries), a big achievement and playing against the 4^th and 5^th ranked teams in the world would be a huge challenge. 

      Ms Girard-Savoy commended the players on their work and preparation and told them that it was far more difficult for teams to qualify for the Olympic Games than for individual athletes and the costs of preparation for teams was much higher.  The IOC Solidarity Program is assisting the Women's Squad in their preparation through a number of IOC grants.  Her advice to the players was also to enjoy and use this experience for the future. 

      Mr Atma Maharaj, Secretary General of FASANOC also spoke to the conference and told those present that for the first time ever, Fiji has three team sports in qualification events this year for the Beijing Olympics - basketball, football and hockey.  He said that while in previous Olympic Games, Fiji had individual athletes vying for a place in the Games, history was being created this year with these three team sports making the qualification events and that FASANOC would continue to support teams in their bid to make it to the Olympic Games.