Laulii (Samoa) - The Samoa National Basketball Association (SNBA) has organized its first 3x3 tournament post-COVID-19 lockdown in Laulii, Samoa.

The Federation jumped into action when their government approved the return to business of specific sports in the country.

"When the government state of emergency committee confirmed several sports to continue their activities, we started right away with 3x3 to bring back the spirit of playing basketball again," shared SNBA Sports Administrator, Sarah-Lee Liliuokalani Malaesilia

SNBA organized 3 divisions for Men and Women to compete in the tournament that totaled 24 teams and 96 players in the weekend event.

"We had a U14 event for Boys and Girls, U17 for Boys and Girls, and an Open event for Men and Women. It was a great day, everyone was so excited to play basketball and to see other players again since the lockdown," she said.

Malaesilia stressed the importance of basketball's role and how it will help the country in returning to a normal life post-lockdown.

"As we try to go back normality, the massive response of confirming teams in our 3x3 tournament indicated a lot. Everyone was happy and grateful to have activities going again," she said.

"After the lockdown, it is important for us to get that interaction with other people again and basketball is a great tool for us to accomplish that," she added.

Malaesilia also shared that SNBA is already preparing for their next tournament which will celebrate their Independence day in June.

"We are underway on our preparations for the Independence Tournament in June and we are expecting a huge turnout for the event. We are excited to be back in action!" she proudly said.

FIBA