MAJURO (Marshall Islands) - With a newly established board in place at the conclusion of the Marshall Islands Basketball Federation's (MIBF)  Annual General Meeting, the Federation has set its sights on preparing for the  2022 Micronesian Games as its main goal moving forward after the pandemic.

Re-elected MIBF president Candice Guavis said that preparations are already underway for the Federation’s vision to successfully host the ‘biggest basketball event in the country’s history.

“Our main focus, for now, is the MG2022. Immediate plans are in place to focus on the preparations for this exciting event that would only enhance and expand not only our athletes but also the officials, media, and the general public as well,” she said.

To realize that goal, MIBF has elected new and diverse board members to oversee the year-long work ahead.

Guavis said it’s a historic event for the MIBF given the set of officials from different communities that would serve a noble purpose for Marshall Islands basketball even beyond the Micronesian Games hosting.

“With this new Board in place, we have a good representation in basketball communities on the populated centers of Majuro and Ebeye. Once basketball is further developed, then we can spread to neighboring atolls to introduce skills and programs that can be life-changing,” she added.

“Given our different backgrounds, affiliations and by working together, basketball can be communicated to all levels of different sectors.”

Among the newly elected board officials were Senior Vice President Christopher Makiphie (Majuro Atol Local Government Director of Sports), Treasurer Molly Murphy (former national team player) with Member at Large Faiga Tagoleilagi (from Ebeye and former national team player), and Member at Large Daniel Jieta (Malgov Police Admin).

Apart from new board additions, the MIBF with MINOC and Micronesian Games committee has also launched renovation for the national gym, which will serve as the basketball main venue.

Training and practices among the national team, officials, and volunteers are also forthcoming.

Simultaneously, the MIBF is keeping its foot on the pedal with continuous programs and events at the grassroots level both for the boys and girls division in a mission to prepare its youth in the long term. 

Asked what is the state of basketball in the Marshall Islands, Guavis had a strong statement of the country's love for the sport while also excitedly sharing the growth of women's basketball in the country.

"Basketball is life! It is the number one sport played and loved by many. It used to be a male-dominated sport but there has been a steady increase in the number of females playing this sport in Majuro," she proudly said.

"As of January 2021, and for the first time ever, Ebeye (Kwajalein Atoll) included a women's competition. Due to cultural values and norms, girls’ basketball wasn’t allowed and with the High Chief’s blessing, it was included in the 77th Kwajalein Memorial Day events,' she added.

FIBA