POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center
The Cook Islands under 20 men's and women's basketball teams will depart tomorrow morning for Coffs Harbour, Australia to take part in the 5th Oceania Youth tournament.
As the competition is limited to only eight women's and men's teams within Oceania, this will be the first time an age-group team from the Cook Islands will be represented at a tournament at this level.
Teams accepted for the tournament are: (men) Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Guam and Papua New Guinea; (women) Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tahiti, PNG and Cook Islands.
Head of delegation, Liz Sosene will lead the group of 27 made up of two teams of 10 players, plus coaches and managers, and two referees.
The Cook Islands women have pool games against Fiji, Tahiti and PNG while the men's team will come up against Fiji, New Zealand and Tahiti.
The games at the Coffs Harbour indoor stadium will begin this weekend with the final matches to be played on Saturday 26 June. Teams will be accommodated at the Park Beach Tourist Park, Oceania Parade, in Coffs Harbour.
While the Cook Islands Basketball Federation recognise that this is a formidable task indeed, the whole experience of taking part in an international competition of this calibre is to prepare and develop the players of the future. Without this opportunity, basketball will not go forward in the Cook Islands.
Tournament details can be found on website www.fibaoceania.com and results will be posted daily. Supporters can also send their well wishes to the team.
Those travelling to Australia are as follows.
Women's team: Beatrice and Maxine Arioka, Anielle Francois, Teumere Koteka, Swedelia and Shanielle Taivairanga, Mata Tangata, Tumai Tumutoa and Raita
Taia. Coach James Puati, manager Louisa Tukaroa.
Men's team: Clifford Atuatika, Cecil and Richard Heather (Aus), Shane and Anthony Ikimotu, Maurice Marsters, Louis Marsters (NZ), Steven Nookura, Peter Teiti, Tupa Tupa and Stanley Stuski (observer).
Coach: Rex Valoa, manager Joe Wichman. Referees: Sharlina Viking and Nukutau Pokura. Head of Delegation, Liz Sosene
