An exciting new horizon for basketball in Papua New Guinea

Following the immense success of basketball at the 2015 Pacific Games, the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) has an in-principle arrangement with the Papua New Guinea Basketball Federation and FIBA to fund the employment of an Executive Officer to lead the country's governing body for the sport.

Subsequent to a meeting with PNGSF CEO Peter Tsiamilili Jnr and FIBA Oceania Regional Director David Crocker, Basketball PNG President Nick Daroa said: "Our proposal for this funded position is something that all three partners believe is the best way to capitalise on the huge popularity of basketball at the Pacific Games. We had sell-out games and great enthusiasm for basketball that is still keeping people on the street talking now. This role will be key to Basketball PNG being able to get more people playing basketball across PNG."

Mr Crocker added: "FIBA sees unlimited potential for basketball in Papua New Guinea and with the Foundation, we agree that a full time quality Executive Officer will be the thing that will allow basketball to grow. The facilities are world class, not just best in the Pacific. The players that played for PNG are great athletes with the potential to medal at future Pacific Games and executives Nick Daroa, Karo Lelai and Eddie Salazar are quality professional people that FIBA is confident in working with."

"This in-principle agreement between us will allow the Federation, supported by FIBA, to achieve a co-funding partnership with the Foundation for basketball in PNG. In talking with Peter and Nick today it is clear we all want to achieve a sustainable business model for basketball in PNG using the facilities at Taurama as a competition base.

"Further to an Executive Officer in PNG, the Federation and FIBA will also launch a new partnership with the Australian Government through its Pacific Sports Partnership program with the Hoops for Health 3x3 program. An initiative to use basketball to increase physical activity amongst young people and women. This is an exciting new horizon for basketball here in PNG after the success of the 2015 Pacific Games.”