Basketball initiatives applauded

**St Joseph’s International Catholic College physical education head John Agovai with his students during a Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea clinic at the school.**

THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea’s (BFPNG) commitment to reach out to provinces around the country is helping them develop the sport and attract more followers.
A Pikinini Hoops programme held in Madang’s Bogia turned John Agovai into a supporter of BFPNG’s programmes.
BFPNG chief executive Nick Daroa said the federation’s partnership with St Joseph’s International Catholic College started when physical education (PE) boss Agovai reached out for assistance in teaching basketball at the school.
“BFPNG’s drive to take our programmes to the provinces is supported and promoted by the board with the recent trip to Kerema led by president Karo Maha Lelai, Hoops for Health coordinator Jordan Sere and Basketball PNG Technical Commission Chairman Ronnie Mea covering all aspects of the game,” he said.

**National representative Sibona Kala (right) in action during the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea’s Hoops for Health initiative in Gaire, Central, on Saturday. – BFPNGpics**

“We are always on the lookout for ways to expand the game outside of Port Moresby so when our good friend, Agovai reached out to us, we were more than willing to work with him and the school to stage a Pikinini Hoops clinic there.”
Agovai has been teaching for 33 years while also serving as the National Capital District Secondary School Sports chairman.
“I love teaching and interacting with students because you get to know about their dreams and you can help them achieve their goals,” he said.
The 54-year-old has been involved with the national federations of other sports, including swimming, athletics, and soccer, but his first experience with basketball was a surprise to him.
“I first reached out to BFPNG because I was curious after having seen a lot of good stories about their programmes and to experience it firsthand made me a believer of the Basketball for Good campaign,” Agovai said.
“To use basketball as a tool to create awareness on health and social issues, it’s a match made in heaven.”
Daroa said Agovai had promised his support for BFPNG’s programmes and had presented himself as a volunteer coach for their Pikinini Hoops initiative.
“We are grateful to Agovai and St Joseph’s International Catholic College for inviting BFPNG to assist and run their PE lessons with our programmes,” he said.
“It was another great experience for BFPNG and the students.
“We are also excited to have Agovai as a Pikinini Hoops coach and see the positive change he can do for our youth.”
Meanwhile, Daroa, PNG representatives Apia Muria and Sibona Kala, and other BFPNG officials ran the Hoops for Health programme in Gaire, Central, on Saturday.
– Fiba