Nadi, Fiji - FIBA's Oceania office, alongside Basketball Fiji (BF) staff will conduct a Hoops for Health (H4H) coaches workshop this weekend (May 11-13) in Nadi to continue the development of basketball in the country.

H4H is a basketball development program funded by the Australian government, the objective is to evangelize the sport of basketball by training coaches and children while also promoting health and fitness in the region.

"H4H fits with FIBA's Basketball for Good program; we want to help build capable National Federations, focus on physical activity and improved health-related behaviors and improve social cohesion..... that fits perfectly with Basketball Fiji's motto, "it's more than just basketball," said FIBA Development Manager Annie La Fleur.

La Fleur a former Olympian will spearhead the program, aiming to give back to the community and show FIBA’s commitment to Fiji basketball.

"The H4H program was delivered in the West [Nadi and Lautoka] in 2014 and 2015 and we want to re-establish it again. We want to increase the number of coaches to show our commitment to the community," said La Fleur. "The Nadi and Lautoka Associations are active and BF is showing their support by delivering this program," she added.

With the return of H4H in Nadi, FIBA Oceania and Basketball Fiji expect a great turnout of participants - including participants form local schools and coaches from local clubs.  The timing of the workshop will coincide with 3x3 festivals to complement the program in the coming weeks and months.

"Hoops for Health in Fiji started in 2014 with only one full-time staff and has grown to three members with an active volunteer base with increasing activity," said La Fleur.

The collaborative effort among Basketball Fiji, Australian Government and FIBA Oceania is a huge step forward for the development of basketball in Fiji.

The Hoops for Health (H4H) program is made possible through the support of FIBA and Australian Government funding through the Pacific Sports Partnership Program