Muri legacy in basketball inspiring change

 THE Muris are a basketball family that sums up everything that the International Day of Families strives to achieve with a family-orientated approach to positive community change.
The International Day of Families was celebrated on May 15.
Moi Muri is a proud father of seven children who all play basketball with three sons, Apia, Purari and Cornelius, and one daughter, Marcia, all playing in the national basketball teams.
Several cousins are also in the national squads, the father of seven is also the national women’s team head coach.
Leading the national women’s team since 2007, Moi has a passion for basketball development and community connection that has proved a recipe for success for not just the sport, but cultural sustainability in the Pacific.
“Growing up in my community, I always wanted better for not only my children, but those around me and I learnt that playing basketball was a great way to do this,” Moi said.
“We now have a basketball court in the community, and we can provide an opportunity for everyone to play and stay away from the bad peer groups that are in the area.
“I started playing basketball in 1976 when I was 16. I used to skip school and was hanging around the wrong people, but basketball provided me with an activity to replace the bad activities.”
He is proud of his family, and beams with pride when talking about his family and their connection through basketball.
One of those sons, Apia, will be representing PNG at the Melanesian Cup later this year. He has been playing basketball since he was eight. Apia’s regard for family, the community and basketball all connect when he has a basketball in his hands and takes the court.
He talks about how the game has helped him, his family and his community.
“Playing basketball is a great outlet for stress and worries,” the 34-year-old said. “It takes everything away. When I’m on the basketball court, I’m free and happy.
“I like playing basketball with my family because we can connect within the community and play as one team in a village any time of the day.
“I believe that basketball plays an important role in building the spirit of not only our family, but everyone in the community,” said  Apia.
– Fiba Oceania