DAMODAR (Fiji) - Hoops For Health made a successful return to the Damodar with Basketball Fiji (BF) organizing the basketball clinic for youth aged 9-16 in the last week of August.

BF's Chief Operating Officer Laisasi Puamau and National Basketball Development Officer Kenneth Saliu supervised the program to continue the development and promotion of the game in Damodar.

"We had a very successful clinic in Damodar last year and we want to continue the rapid growth of basketball in the city. We want to focus on the kids because it's a great way for us to invite new people to the game," shared Puamau.

BF also organized a U18 Mixed 3x3 Tournament in last year's clinic as their official qualifier to represent Fiji in the IBF Youth Leadership Cup set in Bali, Indonesia.

"The next step for Basketball Fiji is to find the consistency in running the programs provided with the resources available. It's about being more efficient and effective in every event" - Basketball For Good Manager, Peter Topp

Taliu shared that the Hoops For Health which is an Australia Aid initiative on behalf of the Australian Government was an effective tool to educate the youth in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"The ability to also incorporate awareness to a healthy and fit lifestyle is a huge factor in our programs which the communities respond favorably. The parents and coaches support the message and we are more than happy to provide what's wanted and needed," he added.

This year's clinic focused on the Basic Fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting which saw the number of participants doubled from last year's event.

"Basketball Fiji's commitment to developing the game will be focused on the grassroots level. We had better attendance this year than last year and will initiate another one soon with our other programs like the Bula Hoops and Mum's A Hero," said Puamau who was also the coach of Fiji's Women's silver medalist in the 2019 Pacific Games.

"We also had giveaways for the participants with jerseys, basketball and even movie vouchers to attract casual fans to the event. It was a fun event for the kids and they all had given positive feedback to our program," he added.

FIBA Oceania's Basketball For Good Manager, Peter Topp was delighted with the recent clinic but also emphasized the consistency of the programs of Basketball Fiji.

"Based on our research, the Basketball For Good programs that BF organize creates a huge impact in terms of participant numbers while also achieving an immeasurable impact with the health awareness component of it," said Topp.

"The next step for Basketball Fiji is to find the consistency in running the programs provided with the resources available. It's about being more efficient and effective in every event," he concluded.

 FIBA