BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE SOLOMON Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) is intending to include potential overseas based basketball athletes to be part of the national team 2022 Melanesian Qualifiers’ Basketball squad.
According to SIBF, They are currently working to convey the best approach to have the athletes be included in the journey towards the Melanesian qualifiers for the upcoming Pacific Games to be held next year in the country.
A statement from the Basketball Federation said these athletes share the same passion for a chance to be part of the National team.
The statement added that the Senior Men and women sides have been attending training sessions since March 2021, prompted by senior players under directives from SIBF to ensure athletes are active and are routinely monitored.
The athletes were fortunate enough to be given the green light by the Catholic Church and the NPF at this time to train at the Holy cross basketball court and the SMI Basketball court.
SIBF pointed out that the Solomon Islands participated in the last regional 5×5 competition in the 2019 Pacific games in Apia.
The last Honiara Open Basketball Competition in the 2019 Hoop fest Tournament has also greatly impacted athletes in many ways where new and young athletes are turning up more than seasoned players during training season.
SIBF said they have now solidified their position within the local sporting scene – now affiliated to the NSC and NOCSI, recently partnered up with SINIS and the GOC, and ongoing firm relationship with FIBA Oceania.
“The SIBF is encouraging athletes to resume training with new training schedule which respects the currently imposed vaccination requirements, this is for both athletes and officials.”
