(c) FIBA Oceania Website

PORT MORESBY – Amidst all the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Papua New Guinea’s largest city, Port Moresby, people are taking time out to improve themselves and their community.

Every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm, people of all ages are coming together at the Taurama Indoor Aquatic Centre to take part in the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea’s (BFPNG) Daytime Community Hoops program.

These sessions have become highly beneficial for the community and those involved. People from all walks of life and a wide range of professional and sporting backgrounds, are not only improving their health and fitness levels but creating an open environment where participants can create connections, learn to be part of a team and part of a positive social movement.

“We’ve found that Daytime Community Hoops is not just for Basketball players, its for anybody who wants to give something new a try, while working on improving their health at the same time,” commented BFPNG Executive Officer, Joel Khalu.

The popularity of this community hoops initiative has grown significantly since it’s inception back in June. Word of mouth is spreading throughout Port Moresby and more people want to be part of the fun inclusive nature of the program.

“Seeing the enjoyment of the players involved and the smiles they have when playing,” said Khalu. 

“Basketball is a fantastic game that has a unique way of bringing people of different backgrounds and cultures together and achieving that inclusion aspect is another goal of our BFPNG Hoops for Health community engagement initiative”

This initiative was seen in action once again as BFPNG hosted an International Youth Day celebration this past weekend.

The sound of 160 stamping feet, basketballs flying left right and center, laughter and smiles all around. 80 children lined up out the door and around the corner just to take part in the drills and games the Khalu and BFPNG’s Special Projects Coordinator Steven Knight had in store for them.

BFPNG’s Daytime Community Hoops initiative is part of the Hoops for Health program that is made possible due to the support of FIBA and Australian Government funding through the Pacific Sports Partnerships program.