TACIRVA, SUVA (Fiji) – Sisters, Annie and Heilala Taukave have discovered more than just how to play basketball at their local school Hoops for Health program.  The sisters have attributed healthier eating habits and having the confidence to interact with others as benefits of the program.

Hoops for Health is a Basketball for Good initiative that is coordinated by Basketball Fiji across the island to further inspire and educate the next generation of not only basketballers, but to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

“Hoops for Health has helped us choose healthier foods to eat,” Annie said.  “I am a big fan of sweet foods, but now I only eat them some of the time instead of all the time.”

As well as promoting healthy choices, Hoops for Health encourages active lifestyles while introducing youth to basketball in a fun way.  The curriculum aligns with the World Health Organisation’s healthy schools’ program and strengthens the links between classroom activities and the coaching activities.

“Since playing basketball at school, we now speak more and have made new friends,” Heilala said.  “We are able to talk to other kids and express ourselves so we can have fun together.”

“We are usually shy and timid but now we enjoy seeing and playing basketball with our friends at school.”

Basketball is essentially a side product benefit for Annie and Heilala who are now eager to try their hand at new sports

“This (basketball) has been our first school sport and through basic understanding of the games, we feel more confident to try other sports,” Annie said.  “Thank you for inspiring us as young players to achieve our dreams Basketball Fiji.”

About Basketball for Good

The Basketball for Good Program is an initiative supported by the Australian Government through Team Up and delivered by FIBA and its partners.