The 10th annual Ralik Ratak National Basketball Championships are underway in Majuro, Marshall Islands.  The competition got underway on 11th September and will conclude on 25th September.

12 men's and 3 women's teams, representing their home atolls and islands, will compete in the 2 week event.  Because of the distance involved with travel to the various islands and atolls, teams will stay in Majuro for the 2 week event.  The influx of visitors and players turns the stadium and Majuro into 'holiday central' with flowers, singing and the smell of food mixed equally with bouncing basketballs and whistles.  The tournament is an opportunity for family and friends to meet up and to compete for cash and prizes.

The Bank of Marshall Islands is providing cash prizes totalling $3,400USD for the top 3 positions in the men's and women's competitions, while the US Army are providing trophies.

FIBA Oceania's development officer, Ryan Burns, is in Majuro to assist with the training of the officials prior to the tournament, and with tournament organisation during the event.  Ryan is working with Daniel Andrew to put the draw and results into FIBA Organizer and to upload to the Marshall Islands Basketball website.

Other sponsors and supporters are the Marhsall Islands National Olympic Committee, Marshall Islands Development Bank, Marshalls Prevention Group, FIBA Oceania, Marshall Islands Resort, Koo's Fishing Company, Doster Kabua and the Majuro Atoll Waste Copany.