SUVA (Fiji) - Basketball Fiji (BF) with other sporting federations attended the launch of Team Up's digital platforms held at Albert Park in Suva, Fiji.

Team Up is under the Australian government's sport for development program that comprises more than 30 partnerships across Asia-Pacific.

"We are grateful for the continuous support we have received from Team-Up and the digital expansion of the program will help us promote our programs to communities better," shared BF Chief Operating Officer, Laisiasa Puamau.

"We are excited to also improve our platforms to maximize the coverage we can get and attract more people to basketball with our development programs," he added.

Basketball Fiji's partnership with Team Up started in 2014 with Basketball For Good and has expanded to various community programs that teach basketball and focus on gender equality, health, and social inclusion.

Lanieta Baleiono Radrodro, Basketball Fiji's National Development Officer who is based in Lautoka traveled to Suva for the launch and delivered a speech during the festivities.

"One of the programs that is close to my heart is our ‘IAMAGIRL program’. Because as a female, I can see the social inclusion it provides for girls in sports," shared Radrodro, the only representative from a sporting federation to speak in the event.

"It promotes healthy living and a healthy lifestyle for young girls in these trying times we are facing. It is designed to support girls by providing a safe environment to play as well as learn the game of basketball," she added.

The Team Up program is driving the Australian government's implementation of the Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy that supports sporting organizations, athletes, and the Pacific community through sport.

The program has five focus areas; Gender, Disability, Leadership, Governance, and Knowledge.

Radrodro during her speech also shared the positive impact BF's Basketball For Good programs have made in the country and vow the federation's commitment to helping grow the sport in the country.

"We have seen the growth in confidence and leadership in our participants over the years. The programs are having a great impact in the country," she shared. "I hope that, through our programs, we will continue to grow the footprint of basketball among girls and women in Fiji."

FIBA