With the Pacific Mini Games around the corner, preparations for Team Fiji’s three-by-three (3×3) basketball team are proceeding well.
This is the word from team manager William Peter, who says the team has been able to pick up its level of preparations.
“Final team has been selected, and I think we have a strong team that we’ve put together that’s been selected to be able to represent the country and win a gold medal at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau,” Peter shared in an interview.
While they are putting together a formidable team to take on the region’s best at the Mini Games, it has been accompanied by its share of challenges, such as the provision of suitable training facilities.
“In the last couple of months, we had a slow start due to venue unavailability, but we’ve been able to have discussions with Fiji Sports Council, and we’re able to get regular venues to be able to train with the help of Fiji Sports Council.
“So preparations are going well.”
As the players look forward to the games later this month, he added their outing in Palau, where it will be held, will be a key area of focus for another competition later this year.
“The games in Palau will be a qualifier to the Under-23 3X3 World Cup, which will be held later on in China,” he said.
“So we hope to finish at the top of the podium to be able to qualify for that U23 World Cup later on this year.”
The Pacific Mini Games will be held in Koror, Palau from June 29 to July 9.
Basketball 3×3 team to the Pacific Mini Games:
Athletes: Moana Liebregts, Ranadi Koroi, Estelle Kainamoli, Makaefa Savu, Keenan Hughes, Isaac Sewabu, Tevita Vocea, Zac Tuivanuavou.
Reserve: Gabriel Tuivanuavou, Joeli Baleisuva, Elenoa Kuboutawa, Camari Ravai.
Team Manager: William Peter, Head Coach: Earl Hughes.
In 2023, Fiji won silver in the events at the Pacific Games.
