The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) announced the upcoming 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championship, which is scheduled to take place from the 2nd to the 7th of October at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Friday, 22nd September.
BFPNG has been given the opportunity to host this prestigious U17 basketball tournament, providing a platform for the country's emerging basketball stars to showcase their skills.
To facilitate the event, BFPNG received generous help from PNG Ports Limited and Telikom Limited. Each contributed K50,000 to show their support for this event. Telikom will also be providing free Wi-Fi during the event. Other bronze sponsors have also come on board to sponsor the event.
The contributions of PNG Ports and Telikom demonstrate their commitment to supporting youth sports development in the country, as well as in the Oceania-Pacific Region.
PNG Ports Chief Commercial Officer Ian Hayden-Smart said PNG Ports was proud to promote such an event.
“Especially when it is a youth championship for the under-17s, to encourage young males and females to get into sports and then become an athlete at an international level is excellent. It really warms our hearts. PNG Ports will continue to support such events in the future,” he said.
Also, Kevin Malai, Head of Telikom Limited Subsidiaries said Telikom was also excited to support this event.
“Telikom Limited is happy to be part of this sports event. Telikom is a bronze sponsor and our participation is indeed a privilege to support sports tourism in the country,” he said.
BFPNG President Mrs. Emma Waiwai expressed her appreciation to Telikom and PNG Ports, as well as the other sponsors who have contributed to hosting this event.
“I would like to thank all the sponsors who have come on board to support us,” she said.
She said this sponsorship would be a boost for the children as this U17 tournament aims to promote them in sports.
“These are children that we are supporting. Our games are for the under-17s, and for them to know that there are people who are supporting them will really boost them,” Waiwai said.
The money will be utilized to cover various aspects of this five-day tournament, ensuring its successful finish.
The event will see the reigning Champions Australia, defending their championship title, while PNG, New Zealand, Guam, and Samoa are ready to make their mark in the competition.
She added that Team PNG has been training well and was hopeful they are prepared for the tourney.
Moreover, BFPNG is also supporting the PNG Cancer Foundation to drive awareness of cancer in the country, through its sports programs and events.
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