IBF Journals: Anderson Hewe of Papua New Guinea

The IBF Youth Leadership Seminar in Singapore on June 22 to 24 witnessed a successful gathering of 16 Youth Leaders from 15 different countries. The workshop’s aim was to give the young leaders the tools to run 3x3 Tournaments as well as develop their leadership skills.

SINGAPORE -- Anderson Hewe might possibly be the most reserved person I have encountered in my life.

When I first met the young leader in Terminal 1 of Changi Airport, he was wearing a PNG-inspired bright orange polo shirt that belies his apprehensive nature. Anderson walked along a lengthy walkway with only a backpack for a 5-day trip and looked unsure of himself. The moment we shook hands, I knew how uncomfortable he was by how little he spoke.

It was hard to get him to break out of his cocoon but when the topic of basketball came up, his eyes lit up and his demeanor changed. The young man who idolizes Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics talked about wanting to demonstrate his own shamgod move and shared a highlight mix of his hero saved on his phone.

"I love the game of basketball because when I was small I didn’t have any friends and I used to stay by myself," shared Anderson. "But when I started playing, I made some friends and it gave me confidence. From then on, I played every day," he added.

Photo: Hewe discussing his plan on running the Mixed tournament in Port Morseby.

The second son of Timothy and Judy Hewe, the 19-year old Anderson took his chances and applied for the Youth Leadership Seminar in Singapore. He was chosen as one of the 16 participants from 15 different countries to take part in the workshop.

"I used to think that I didn't have anything in me but coming to this seminar, I'm starting to believe in myself and I believe this is the best learning I've had in my life," said the aspiring accountant.

It was a sincere and genuine comment from Hewe. He didn't want to speak at all and came off as distant on his first day but it was really about him trying to stay out of the limelight.

The workshop, spearheaded by FIBA's International Basketball Foundation (IBF), aimed to empower the youths to be better leaders and be better equipped to overcome the challenges of organizing a mixed U18 qualifying tournament. They were also made aware of the opportunity of using their event to tackle local social issues affecting their communities and furthering the Basketball For Good movement.

"I learned a lot about 3x3 basketball and how to organize 3x3 events through the event maker. I was a court marshal in the tournament so I got to experience talking to young kids and handling a different role," said the Port Moresby Business College sophomore.

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Photo: Anderson sharing with his fellow youth leaders the challenges of running a tournament in Papua New Guinea

Anderson is fueled by the fact that he will be the first youth leader in his country to organize and lead a 3x3 basketball competition in Papua New Guinea.

"I personally have never seen a 3x3 tournament in Port Moresby and I want to be the first one to bring a tournament to the kids. I think there's no young leader like me that can do this at the moment. I hope I can start a 3x3 revolution back home," 

 

Anderson shared his gratitude to the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) who has pledged their support to him.

With the help of President Nick Daroa, Executive Officer Stephen Damien, and Competitions Officer Patrick Ani, the U18 Mixed Qualification tournament for the IBF Youth Leadership Cup in Bali was approved and will run on July 28 in Port Moresby.

Photo: IBF Youth Leadership participants before going out to dinner

What piqued my interest with Anderson's story is that more than his passion for basketball and aspirations in leadership he is also driven by his dedication and goal to lift his family from a life of poverty.

He revealed that his family is not financially secure and when he admitted it, I could feel the pain in his voice and his desire to resolve it.

"My parents run a small canteen to sustain our family, which is still supporting my brothers and sisters in a settlement called Kaugere in PNG. I saw how much they struggled growing up so I'm trying my best not to give them headaches and I think basketball and education will give me the best chance to help them," Anderson shared.

"I love my family. We might not be rich but we care for each other. Everyone is working or studying hard to help each other and I want to do my part," he added.

Photo: Hewe as a court marshal in the community challenge posing with IBF CSR Associate TJ Bullock

Despite his financial problems, the generosity of this young man is extremely uplifting. He offered to buy me a sugar cane drink on our last day at dinner. I tried telling him that he doesn't have to do that but he begged me to let him treat me. Reluctantly I relented. It was a gesture that made me believe that with all the negative things happening around us there are still people like him who make the world a better place.

With his unbridled determination and quiet confidence in himself, the young Hewe is the type of person who will persevere and break down any wall he may face.

"I want to do my best in everything I do and hope that one day my dreams will come true. It's going to be very difficult and hard but watch me, I will I be ready for it," Anderson proudly stated.

From barely speaking on his first day in Singapore to singing "Young, Wild and Free" at the top of his lungs on the last day of his stay, the transformation of Anderson Hewe in just three days was exhilarating to witness. I believe this young leader is ready to revolutionize the 3x3 basketball scene in Papua New Guinea and also change the lives of the people around him.

- Aldo Avinante