Vanuatu is leading the way

FIBA Oceania officer Jon Hoyle has returned from Vanuatu full of enthusiasm for the way basketball is progressing. "It is a model for other Pacific Island nations to follow" said Jon. "Everywhere I went I saw basketball being played. There is enormous activity in Vanuatu. Competitions, clinics, kids shooting hoops after school, kids dribbling balls around the streets - it was an amazing sight. And everywhere it was boys and girls, men and women sharing the courts."

Jon believes this renewed enthusiasm is a result of the diligent and energetic people now leading the federation and the Port Vila and Luganville leagues.

"In Port Vila I witnessed the last regular season games which were played before a packed stadium of fans, with ballons and flags everywhere. The top 4 tournament will commence this week, followed by an exchange visit by New Caledonian club teams ASM 6km. This exchange has been perfectly organised by the Port Vila executive and will really provide a great boost to international relations".

"And then in December the Vanuatu Cup knock out competition will be conducted, followed by the Santo Festival of Basketball which is open to all club teams within the country. And of course at the end of the school year and again in January, NBDO Peter Izono will be conducting his highly successful holiday camps for young players."

You can read the rest of this story on FIBA Oceania website: www.oceaniabasketball.com