FIJI -- Basketball Fiji (BF) and the Australian Aid's Hoops for Health program has been a massive success in the South Pacific nation with over 1200 kids participating in their H4H 3x3 School tour in various schools.

National Basketball Development Officer Thomas Acosta shared that the School Tour proved to be a successful program into getting kids to participate and learn the game of basketball.

"The Hoop for Health 3X3 School Tour was the culmination activity of schools participating in the H4H program. Basketball Fiji, organized tournaments for the kids to show what they learned in the program," said Acosta.

The tour was held in three different primary schools namely, Yatsen on July 31, Veiuto on May 25 and LDS on May 24.

"More than 1200 kids participated in the in preliminary games to get a spot to represent their class in the School Tour. A total of 134 players played in our main tournament," proudly shared by Acosta.

"We plan to continue the school tour especially the schools without a court. Basketball Fiji is planning to create makeshift courts to accommodate these schools and their love of basketball," he added.

FIBA Executive Director David Crocker is elated with the ongoing School Tour and commended Basketball Fiji with their activities in the nation.

"Their focus on the grassroots program is a great way in building the interest of the sport. The sheer number of participants speaks volumes of the potential of basketball in Fiji," said the amiable Crocker.

"We (FIBA) hope they continue their commitment to the sport while also promoting a healthy lifestyle," he added.

Acosta shared that BF is grateful for the support of FIBA and the Australian Aid funding through the Pacific Sports Partnership Program in making the event possible.

"We are very grateful to the support of FIBA and the Australian aid for making this program possible. Just seeing the joy of celebration and how competitive the kids, gives us the notion of the positive effect and a bright future of the sports," he said.

Basketball Fiji plans to continue and evolve the highly successful program with more projects lined up.

"BF will continue to grow the game of basketball and healthy living through 3x3 games. We also want to find future national team players to inspire the youth through the sport," he ended.

FIBA