LUFILUFI (Samoa) - Samoa National Basketball Association (SNBA) organized a groundbreaking Hoops For Health program launched in Lufilufi village as part of its grassroots program to develop the sport in the country.

A total of 120 kids with 12 coaches and 16 volunteers participated in the program that aimed to promote a proper and balanced diet, consistent exercise, and healthy lifestyle among the aspiring athletes seen as the future of Samoa basketball.

The event held at Lufilufi village located on the north coast of Upolu island by the Samoa National Basketball Association (SNBA) was in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Health Department

SNBA expects more schools and kids participating in the future with Hoops for Health programs set for a return sometime this year.

"We hope to continue expanding the program all over the country to be more successful in the future, targeting schools to partner with and in turn, expect more people to learn about the game while promoting a healthy lifestyle in the country," said volunteer coach, Savaia Iupeli.

"We are very happy with the reception to the program, it was a fantastic event and had a lot of kids, teachers, and parents that praised the program," he added.

While waiting for the next edition of Hoops for Health, participants have individual programs to continue health care arrangements in preparation for upcoming programs, camps, and tournaments.

Of those tournaments is the much-awaited Samoa Basketball League (SBL) featuring U10, U13, U16, U18, and Open categories for both men’s and women’s divisions this month.

SNBA is also preparing a women’s basketball program next month followed by Mini Basketball Jamboree and FIBA U17 Oceania Championships at the end of the year.

“These developments will help us increase the number of participants with the main focus on the grassroots level. It will provide a pathway for the players while step by step improving their fundamental skills and knowledge to reach a higher level of basketball,” SNBA President, Talalei Pauga.

"With these programs being put into place, we are hoping to see some of the kids from our programs represent Samoa in international competitions," he added.

FIBA