NOUMEA (New Caledonia) - New Caledonia continued to reap the benefits of its growing basketball development as basketball executive, Bridget Delaveuve joined their distinguished players in making their mark abroad after gaining recognition from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of France.

Delaveuve, the Secretary-General of the New Caledonia Basketball Federation, received a Gold Medal honor from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the French Republic for her countless contributions – not only for Caledonia – but for the entire hoops growth in the Pacific.

Aside from Delavue, Robert Vautrin was also awarded a Gold Medal for his contributions to the growth of basketball.

Vautrin is a former FIBA Oceania Board member and served in this position from 1998 to 2014.

"I am grateful for this medal and dedicate this to all those who have worked hard and continue to help New Caledonia basketball," Vautrin said in a statement.

The recognition given by the High Commissioner of the French Republic is held only once a year with only a few select recipients.

Photo: Vautrin (first person from the right) and Delaveuve (second from the right) pose with the other inductees)

Delaveuve is more than thrilled and proud to be one of those awardees with a vow of continuing her noble duties for New Caledonia.

“I’m very honored and proud to receive this medal as a sign of recognition to volunteering. I also congratulate all the other recipients,” she said, dedicating the citation to her parents, who instilled “the values of sport and the act of giving with passion.

Delaveuve also credited her family, led by husband Jean-Marc and their four children, along with those who supported her in years of service to basketball.

Even before she was appointed as a New Caledonia basketball official, Delaveuve was already a woman of example, epitomizing her love for basketball with unconditional volunteerism.

Delaveuve has already spent 40 years in basketball, starting as a player to a referee, game official, and manager. She is also the president of the As6ème km Basketball club for 21 years, including her 12 years of service as New Caledonia Basketball's Secretary-General.

Outside of the country, she has also served as head of the New Caledonia delegation in the mini-games in Vanuatu – becoming the first woman chief while also being named the best delegation chief in 2018.

But Delaveuve is not done yet, calling on her peers and fellow officials to continue leaving no stones unturned in growing the sport they love.

“Volunteering needs encouragement and motivation. I would like to send a message for everyone to get involved and share their passion in a collective bid to develop and promote our discipline,” she beamed.

Delaveuve will surely enjoy this feat but, New Calendonia will resume play to get the ball rolling anew for their rapid basketball development.

The cheerful executive shared that in the coming months they have a multitude of events including their basketball championship (late April), U20 3x3 Championship (May), 3x3 Women’s tournament (May), and Benjamin Challenge (July) with a couple of mini basketball parties and women’s projects in the works.

FIBA