BFPNG runs Basketball for Good Training in Kokopo

Straight off the plane from the Solomon Islands after winning the 2025 FIBA Melanesian Cup for the second time, the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) got to work back in East New Britain Province.

The ‘Basketball for Good’ officer, Jordan Sere, arrived in Kokopo to conduct training for scorebench officials, referees, coaches, and on the use of electronic equipment — all in preparation for the upcoming Niugini Islands Regional Championships set for 10th–14th November 2025.

This exciting program is supported and funded by the East New Britain Provincial Government through the Community Sports Development Office, in partnership with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea.

This is the first of its kind collaboration between the BFPNG and the Provincial Government of East New Britain — a big step forward for basketball development not just in ENB but the greater Islands region. 

This initiative follows after the Community Sports Coordinator, Benjamin Hekahu, visited the BFPNG office in Port Moresby in August this year, expressing the provincial government’s interest to work closely with the federation to strengthen and grow their local basketball associations in the province.

Since then, Mr. Hekahu and interim President for Kokopo City Basketball Association, Loa Oala, have been leading the charge to make this program a success.

BFPNG extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Hekahu and Mr. Loah for their tireless efforts in organising everything on the ground, and also acknowledged the Provincial Member, Hon. Michael Marum, for backing this initiative and supporting the growth of basketball and community development in the province.

The East New Britain Provincial Government has also thrown its support behind four local associations:

●       Kokopo City Basketball Association

●       Rabaul Basketball Association

●      Gazelle District Basketball Association

●      Pomio Basketball Association

These associations will host a Provincial Tournament this weekend as part of their preparations for the Regional Championships in November.

This program is creating safe spaces for females, engaging youth through sports, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles across East New Britain.

PC: Supplied