PAPUA NEW GUINEA (FIBA Oceania) - Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea had a banner year in 2018 and is raring to ride the momentum and achieve bigger things in 2019.

BFPNG held various successful development programs throughout 2018 that was embraced enthusiastically in the community of Port Moresby; namely their Hoops For Health, Twilight Basketball and Mum's A Hero programs.

The national federation was also commended with the massive success of the FIBA U15 Oceania Championship and was recognized and supported by the government highlighted by the 800,000 kina donation to the competition organizers.

BFPNG Executive Officer Stephen Damien revealed that the federation's reputation has taken a leap and are now being courted by numerous local organization for partnerships.

"Everyone is keen to collaborate with BFPNG especially in junior development and capacity building for coaches, officials, and sports administration," said the amiable Damien. "So far, we have met with and spoken with Gerehu, NCD Amateur Basketball, Baimuru Basketball, Ramu Basketball, Kaugere Basketball, Alotau, Tubuserea, Kupiano, and clubs - Gerehu Jets, 9Mile, Batwings, PAU, Koki Basketball."

BFPNG has been running their development programs led by High-Performance Coordinator Patrick Ani and volunteers who are mostly from their senior men's national team last year.

Gerehu Jets a local basketball club in Port Moresby adapted BFPNG's programs in their own community with the guidance of the national federation and according to Damien.

"The (Gerehu)Jets were the first to launch the BFPNG community development program in January (2019). The club, located in Port Moresby's outer suburbs competes in the NCD Amateur Basketball Association competition. The club has attracted youths from the community and has teams competing in the Under 11's to senior teams," shared Damien.

"The club is now collaborating with BFPNG to teach its interested youth to become junior referees and bench officials," he added.

Damien shared that their programs have been helping shape the youth's social ethics with their programs emphasizing respect and discipline.

"Our coordinator Jordan (Sere) shared that in the Mum's a Hero program in POM with Gerehu, tthere were a couple of women who happily shared with us bag snatching in nearby bus stops has decreased significantly since the programs started," Damien proudly said. "BFPNG's plan this year is to work closely with it's affiliated basketball associations and clubs to develop the sport from the grassroots level."

"As always we want to thank FIBA and the Australian Aid for their Pacific Sports Partnership Programs to give us the capability to run our programs. We promise to continue to make a difference in our country through basketball," he added.

BFPNG's commitment to their basketball programs is continuing a positive change in the basketball community of Port Moresby that ensures the bright future of the game in the country from the grassroots to the national level.

FIBA