SUVA (Fiji) – Basketball for Good programs across Oceania play an integral role in achieving various development outcomes, including the importance of good health and well-being.

In Fiji, Bula Hoops is an introductory program coordinated at schools and on various community courts with participants introduced to the basics of basketball with a focus on good health and well-being.  While shooting hoops is fun, participants are encouraged to think about their physical and mental health on and off the basketball court.

Nine-year-old, Angela Dafilagi signed up to Bula Hoops in August and is making the most of the weekly Bula Hoops session on the local courts at Vodafone Arena, Suva.

“I like basketball and Bula Hoops because I get to learn new things, make new friends and I’m learning how to shoot,” Dafilagi said.

It is increasingly common in Fiji that young people are being exposed to a range of sports which Dafilagi loves, from basketball to badminton she wants to ‘have-a-go’ at it all.  “Before this I used to play netball, so now I’m doing basketball and next year I’ll either do swimming or basketball again.”

Fellow participant, Helava Williams is ten years old, and like Dafilagi, she is trying basketball for the first time with other sports on the horizon.

“I have done swimming before but prefer basketball,” Williams said.  “I like sports because it helps me to exercise and work on my physical and thinking health.  Next year I will probably try-out badminton or do basketball again.”

“I started basketball in May, and I like it because I get to socialise with new people and try out new things on the basketball court that I have never done before.”

Both girls are thriving at the Bula Hoops program with encouraging female participation numbers across the country.

“Female participation has been increasing since returning from lockdowns and the pandemic,” Chief Operating Officer, Laisiasa Puamau said.  “I think seeing so many women locally volunteering and taking part in a variety of sports has contributed significantly to this growth.  The girls in our programs are confident, willing to learn and enjoy the challenge of going up against, and beating the boys."

FIBA Foundation’s Basketball for Good programs, such as Bula Hoops, aim to deliver youth engagement programs that promote education, and health and well-being.  FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said the growth in female participation across the region is encouraging.

“We have seen significant female participation growth in the region over the last 12 months from players to officials, administration and coaches,” Jenkins said.  “Recently at the FIBA Under 15 Oceania Championship, we had all female head coaches for all six women’s teams.  This is the direct result of specific and targeted female participation programs that have empowered women across Oceania.”  

Bula Hoops in Fiji is supported by the Australian Government through Team Up, and delivered by Basketball Fiji in conjunction with FIBA.

FIBA