New BFPNG executive officer vows progress

THE Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea is gearing towards a bright future to continue the growth of the sport across the country following the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
After a lengthy process that tipped off in April led by a recruitment panel, the federation picked former Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society employee Alu Vegoa for the role of executive officer.
“I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference and help evolve the growth of basketball in Papua New Guinea,” the former society executive officer said.
The panel, led by federation board members and Fiba, deliberated on the applications for months with more than 100 people interested in the position.
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology business management graduate Vegoa said he was focused on the federation’s return to normalcy.
“The Delta variant is out of our hands, but we want to ensure that a Covid-19 contingency plan is generated for the consideration of the National Control Centre to ensure that we continue our programmes,” he said. Vegoa praised the federation’s junior and community programmes, and hoped to bring them to more rural areas of the country.
“The junior development programme is already in a good place while the promotion of the sport through the Basketball For Good programmes in rural communities is something that we want to continue,” he said.
Fiba Oceania’s Basketball for Good manager Peter Topp welcomed Vegoa to the role and was keen to work with the Central native.
“We are excited to see Alu take on the role and see what he can bring to the table,” he said.
“Alu’s experience in management and operation will be a great asset to the federation and we look forward to working with him moving forward.”
With over 40 years of experience in public administration, commercial and humanitarian industries, Vegoa wants to establish an efficient and organised federation that will maximise the popularity of the sport.
“Firstly, I want to establish an office and plan the marketing aspect of the federation, so we can be recognised and be promoted at all levels,” he said. – Fiba