The final phase of tournament preparation is well underway at Basketball Fiji headquarters as we get ready to welcome the first of our international guests next week.

 

The Fiji Fire Authority have extended their helping help in the final stage of preparations, readying the Local Organising Committee with regard to any emergency related fire drills and evacuation plans. “It is a great honour to have the Fire Authority come so readily on board” said Chief Operating Officer, Laisiasa Puamau. “They understand that having so many people in one place means that we should be prepared for any situation.”

 

The Fire Authority will also be releasing two of their staff to help in the Operations aspects of the championship. They will be assisting with the flag raising and lowering in full uniform and be on hand should there be any need for Occupation Health and Safety inspections.

 

 

Australia is the first team scheduled to arrive on Fiji shores, having booked their flights for Friday next week. The games will be held at the Vodafone Arena from the 1st -6th December 2014. Fiji Sports Council a major partner for the tournament have began renovating and upgrading the facilities to International standard as Fiji is going to be viewed by many through the presentation of the facility.

 

10 International teams and referees will be accommodated at the University of the South Pacific which is anticipated to house close 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 games village will open on Sunday 30^th Nov 2014.

 

For Basketball Fiji this is an immense honour as the host Nation. This tournament has never been held outside of Australia and New Zealand and this is the first time it is coming to the Pacific and Fiji as the host Nation. More importantly our U19 men’s and women’s teams have an opportunity to play in front of their family and friends. Since basketball is a minor sport in Fiji as a National Federation it gives us the opportunity to show case that we can host International Tournaments and is indicative of the growth of the sport and also of the leadership provided by the Executive Team to win this bid over other competing regional countries.

 

The ticket price is $3.00 for those above 13 years old and on the final day ticket prices will be $3.00 for adults, Children between the ages (7-12 years) will be $1.00. Children 6 and under are free. Games are anticipated to begin at 1 pm with last games scheduled for 7pm

 

 

(( Fiji Fire Authority CEO John O'Connor pictured second from right))