MAJURO - Marshall Islands Basketball Federation (MIBF) celebrated their nation’s largest National Holiday, Constitution Day, by holding a tournament consisting of both schools and open age categories.

The tournament took place in early May with over 20 schools taking part in the event; 200 children took advantage of this opportunity to play one of the most popular sports in the country – basketball.

Basketball is extremely popular in Marshall Islands; the majority of schools have basketball as a crucial element of their sports programs.

FIBA Central Board member and MIBF Secretary General Deborah Shoniber commented on this level of popularity.

“Basketball is not just a sport here in the Marshall Islands. It is a religion. Its popularity continues to soar so high that it keeps the community together even when Marshallese are separated thousands of miles away. Basketball connects the people here through their culture, family and friends,”

“This particular May Day activity hosted both men’s and women’s elite teams. Other divisions included; 9 elementary school teams and 7 high school teams. The elite teams included a squad who traveled all the way from Little Rock Arkansas USA. Hundreds of basketball enthusiasts gathered during the tournaments to see if this team from the USA could stack up to the top local teams.”

During the tournament, schools were split into two divisions (East and West), with games played at CMI’s SGG Solomon Sam courts, Utrikan courts and Laura’s Jeirok courts. 

The elementary school competition was split into two separate age groups with 5^th – 6^th and 7^th – 8^th grade divisions.

The 5^th – 6^th grade division was won by Rairok Elementary who were victorious over Woja Elemantery by 15 points. The 7th – 8th grade title was take out by Ajeltake Elementary who overcame COOP Elementary.

The High School competition had a single division with COOP (Mad Dawg) winning over Marshall Islands High School.

Finally, the open men’s and women’s competition saw Lae defeat Majuro by just one basket in the men’s final and Aur overwhelm Lae in the women’s final.

FIBA Regional Executive Director, David Crocker, commented on the importance of recognising these competitions which take place as part of a nation’s celebration day.

“Day’s like Marshall Islands Constitution Day, are a time for our nations to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than by playing basketball. It’s great to see so many team’s participating in this event coordinated by the MIBF.”

For photos and videos from the tournament please visit the Marshall Islands Basketball Federations Facebook page.

FIBA