PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – The Muri family are a basketball family that encapsulate everything that the International Day of Families strives to achieve with a family orientated approach to positive community change.

Mr. Moi Muri is a proud father of seven children who all play basketball with three sons, Apia, Purari and Conilluis, and one daughter, Marca, all currently playing in the Basketball Papua New Guinea National Teams.  Several cousins are also in the National Squads, and did we mention that this father of seven is also the Basketball PNG Women’s Head Coach?

Leading the national women’s team since 2007, Coach Moi has a passion for basketball development and community connection that has proved a recipe for success for not just basketball, but cultural sustainability in the region.

“Growing up in my community I always wanted better for not only my children but those around me and I learnt that playing basketball was a great way to do this,” Coach Moi said.

“We now have a basketball court in the community, and we can provide an opportunity for everyone to play and stay away from the bad peer groups that are in the area. 

“I started playing basketball in 1976 when I was 16.  I used to skip school and was hanging around the wrong people, but basketball provided me with an activity to do that replaced bad activities.”

Coach Moi is incredibly proud of his family and beams with pride when talking about his family and their connection through basketball.

One of those sons, Apia, will be representing PNG at the Melanesian Cup later this year and turns 34 this weekend.  He has been playing basketball since he was eight.  His regard for family, the community and basketball all connect when he has a basketball in his hands and takes the court.

“Playing basketball is a great outlet for stress and worries, it takes everything away,” Apia said. 

When I’m on the basketball court, I’m free and happy

 “I like playing basketball with my family because we can connect within the community and play as one team in one village any time of the day.  I believe that basketball plays an important role in building the spirit of not only our family, but everyone in the community.”

The International Day of Families

Every year since 1993, May 15 has been observed as The International Day of Families.  This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

For more information on The International Day of Families visit the website.