BFPNG continues to lay groundwork for programmes

THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) continues to lay the groundwork for its programmes despite the nationwide state of emergency (SOE) over the coronavirus pandemic.
BFPNG executive Nick Daroa said the organisation was continuing their discussions with the Morobe government to expand their Basketball For Good programmes.
“We had ongoing discussions with two provinces to expand our programmes,” he said. “We have already made great progress in Port Moresby but we want to bring the game to more people.”
The programmes are supported by the Australian Aid and Fiba (the sport’s world governing body).
Daroa said BFPNG was in the final stages of discussions with Morobe and Northern provinces to run the programmes but it had been halted because of the State of Emergency.
“It was already set in stone,” he said. “We were preparing the logistics, programmes and volunteer coaches for the expansion.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic affected our launch.”
Daroa and national basketball development officer Jordan Sere — who is working from home — are also joining the Fiba Oceania webinar series.
“It’s been hard with the state of emergency but we are continuing to develop ourselves and interact with our volunteer coaches and involve them with the webinars,” Sere said.
“Once things return to normal, we will be better prepared to organise and run our programmes.”
BFPNG’s Basketball For Good programmes comprises several initiatives which are Twilight Basketball, Hoops For Health, Mum’s A Hero and Pikinini Hoops. – fibaoceania