FIBA World Basketball Congress

Basketball Fiji’s President Mr. Ioane Naivalurua flew out of the country to attend the FIBA World Congress which is held in Istanbul in Turkey on the 4^th – 7^th September 2010.

Mr. Ioane Naivalurua said that this was the first time that Fiji will be represented at the FIBA World Congress which is held every four years. Delegates from over 117 countries will be present at the World Congress to discuss important issues concerning the function and administration of basketball around the world. He thanked the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the rare opportunity which has created a path way for the country to build a positive bridge towards sporting diplomacy. 

He also thanked FIBA and the Turkey Basketball Federation for organising the inaugural Children of the World Camp which was held last week at Istanbul, Turkey.

The three selected participants at the World Children’s Basketball Camp were Vishnu Deo student Johnny Dyer, Veiuto Primary School student Paulini Elder and Raiwaqa Basketball Players Association President Saula Koroi returned after the 8 days camp on the 3^rd September.

Saula Koroi said that he had gained a lot from the trip and was thankful for the opportunity. He hopes to integrate the coaching knowledge that he has gained with the National U20 Men’s basketball team and also with the Raiwaqa Basketball Players Association. He also stated that the focus on the rest of the world was on youth development rather than at the elite level and that basketball in Fiji was on the correct path to bridging the gap between Fiji and the rest of the world.