GBC works on Substitute for FAR EAST
After receiving the disappointing news that the Department of Defense Education Activity has decided to exclude all Guam schools from the annual Far East sports tournaments going forward, the Guam Basketball Confederation urgently met to develop plans for a regional high school basketball tournament to be held in Guam.
"Guam is an excellent location for a regional tournament. We have first-rate basketball facilities and a thriving tourism industry ready to provide flights, rooms, transportation and attractions to experience," Guam Basketball Federation President Tony Thompson said.
Guam has been represented throughout the years by schools, including Father Duenas Memorial School, Oceanview/Southern High School, Simon Sanchez High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Guam Community College, George Washington High School, Okkodo High School and others.
In 2002, DODEA hosted the Far East Basketball Tournament on Guam, where teams competed at the University of Guam field house. GBC intends to work with the university, as well as other potential host facilities, to accommodate the competition and perhaps to provide housing options for inbound teams. This regional tournament should attract high school teams from all corners of the Pacific, potentially from Palau, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii and Australia.
Support from FIBA
The Guam Basketball Confederation also has the support of FIBA Oceania Secretary General David Crocker, who recommends that Guam establish a regional youth tournament such as this every year. FIBA is the governing body of international basketball in the world, and its affiliation with this tournament would be another benefit for participating teams.
Announcement soon
Discussion will continue in order to plan this competition for both boys' and girls' divisions, and Guam Basketball Federation is hoping to make an exciting announcement regarding this tournament in Guam by the end of September in order to give off-island teams ample time to enter and fundraise their trip to Guam.
For more information, please Thompson by email: tony.thompson@fibaoceania.com.
WRITTEN BY: Pacific Daily News
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.