Suva, Fiji - Basketball Fiji (BF), has successfully completed the 1^st phase of the Bula Hoops Program for 2018 by hosting their first U14 mixed 3x3 championships.

Bula Hoops is BF's after school basketball program which is designed to introduce children aged 5-14 to the game of basketball and teach basic skills. The program has been running for three years and has been steadily growing its reach and following in Suva. The 2018 program has doubled its numbers compared to 2017, and now includes three different age groups/categories: toddlers; basic to intermediate; and intermediate to advanced.

FIBA Oceania Development Manager Annie La Fleur noted "We are really encouraging our National Federation's to run these youth development programs to introduce children to basketball. Bula Hoops is one such initiative and it's great to see the program growing in numbers.  Hopefully in a few years time we will see these children representing Fiji at Oceania championships."

This year, BF has introduced 3x3 into the program, allowing the participants to play the game and showcase the skills they learnt through the clinics.

"The half court games enable the children to figure out the game much faster, it is much simpler compared to the usual 5on5 format. It is much safer as there are only 6 players within the playing floor, which gives space for the kids to move."  said Thomas Acosta, Basketball Fiji High Performance Manager.

"Furthermore, the 3x3 game provides confidence to kids on the plays, drills and skills that are being taught to them as they can easily adapt it within the playing court because of the freestyle way of the play." Acosta added.

Basketball Fiji hosted an end of program 3x3 championships, where they have crowned their first 3x3 Mixed U14 Champions.  Bula Hoops has led to happy parents and a growing community of Basketball enthusiasts, making BF's job easier and fulfilling.  For Basketball Fiji - It’s more than just basketball!