Basketball stalwarts honoured

TWO of Basketball Fiji’s stalwarts were honoured at the FIBA Awards Ceremony held during the XVII FIBA Congress in Manila, Phillipines.
Basketball Fiji president Ioane Naivalurua was honoured with the prestigious President’s Award at the event for his contribution to the development and growth of the sport in the country.
According to FIBA, the President’s Awards for 2023 is awarded to the leader of a national federation from each continent. This award recognises the work, commitment and positive impact on basketball made by each person and their national federation during the past five years and was selected by FIBA President Hamane Niang.
Fiji’s Basketball legend, the late Michael Whippy was also honoured at the event for his immense contribution to the Basketball in Fiji.
The late ‘Coach Mike’, as was commonly known amongst the local basketball fraternity, was a former national rep, coach, and member of the federation.
During the congress, FIBA acknowledged Whippy for his unflinching support and invaluable contribution to sport at the national, regional, and global level.