PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) - The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea is gearing towards a hopeful future post the pandemic situation to continue the rapid growth of basketball in the country.

After a lengthy process that commenced in April led by a recruitment panel, the newly appointed  Alu J. Vegoa who was a former Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society was chosen to take on the Executive Officer role.

"I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference and help evolve the growth of basketball in Papua New Guinea," shared Vegoa.

The recruitment panel led by the board members of BFPNG and in association with FIBA in Oceania deliberated on the applicants for months with more than 100 applicants interested in the position.

The Business Management graduate from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology stated that he is focused on the transition of BFPNG through the Covid-19 pandemic back to normalcy.

"The Delta variant is out of our hands but we want to ensure that a Covid-19 BFPNG contingency plan is generated for the consideration of NCC to ensure that we continue with our programs," he shared.

Vegoa praised the existing junior and community programs of BFPNG and hopes to bring them to more rural provinces of the country.

"The junior development program is already in a good place while the promotion of the sport through the Basketball For Good programs in rural communities is something that we certainly want to continue," he mentioned.

FIBA in Oceania's Basketball For Good Manager, Peter Topp welcomed Vegoa to the role and is keen to work with the Papau New Guinea native.

"We are excited to see Alu take on the role and see what he can bring to the table. Alu's experience in management and operation will be a great asset to the Federation and we look forward to working with him moving forward," he stated.

With over 40 years of experience in public administration, commercial and humanitarian industries, Vegoa wants to establish an efficient and organized Federation that will maximize the growing popularity of the sport.

Photo: Vegoa during a TV interview with TVWAN in the PNGRCS office

"Firstly, I want to establish an office and plan the marketing aspect of the Federation so we can be recognized and be promoted at all levels," he said.

"One of the goals is also improving our performance in international competitions to increase the interest of the young kids, both males, and females," he added.

Under his leadership, Vegoa wants to adhere to the health protocols but also laying the foundation for the future of BFPNG.

"We are in a crucial situation with all of the sports facing the same crisis with the protocols but as long as we love the game and adhere to Covid-19 health protocols, we can enjoy the sport while also protecting our families and those around them," he stated.

"The whole BFPNG team promises to do everything we can in our power to continue the momentum built throughout the years and take basketball to new heights," he ended.

FIBA