Lelai backs decision to cancel regional event

BASKETBALL Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) president Karol Lelai has backed Fiba’s decision to cancel the Fiba Under-15 Oceania Championships slated for Port Moresby later this year.
Fiba Oceania earlier this week announced the cancellation of the U15 Oceania championships due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The Dec 7-12 event was cancelled due to several factors, including the continuing community transmission, quarantine and lockdown measures in Port Moresby, travel restriction in the region and economic impact.
With the cancellation of the event that serves as a qualifier for the Fiba Asia U16 championships, the top teams based on the world rankings will be the region’s representative to the continental meet.
Fiba Oceania executive director David Croker acknowledged the circumstances that led to the cancellation.
“It’s very unfortunate to encounter challenges beyond our control but it is our utmost responsibility and priority to assure everyone’s health in light of this world wide crises,” he said.
“So while we are left without a choice but to cancel the upcoming even, we will always value the health and safety of everyone involved in the event.”
BFPNG president Lelai was pleased with Fiba Oceania for allocating Fiba Oceania U17 Championships to PNG to be hosted in 2023. She reiterated BFPNG’s commitment to the development of its youth programme the chance to host tournaments in future.
“BFPNG fully supports the decision taken,” she said.
“Consistent with Fiba, our number one priority is the welfare and health of our basketball community.
“BPNG will be proud to host the U17 Oceania Championship in 2023.
“And we look forward to the continuing to work with Fiba to ensure junior development continues to be given priority.”
Fiba will look to support participating countries with in-country activities aimed to support the development of the U15 age group.