PM’s Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Competition Ends Preseason

The inaugural Prime Minister’s Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball Competition concluded its preseason yesterday night (May 22nd, 2025) at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex after three exciting rounds of basketball games.

Under the theme ‘Health is Wealth’, which was initiated by Prime Minister James Marape in partnership with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG), the Golden Jubilee Oldies Basketball competition aims to foster a healthy and active lifestyle. 

BFPNG President David Peter gave a brief update on the competition and touched on the importance of healthy living.

“Generally, the Golden Oldies competition is a new concept for the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea,” Peter said. 

“Many of our people are dying from non-communicable diseases, so the competition will create awareness and tools to address the health issues. 

“The involvement of the Prime Minister (James Marape) in initiating the competition, as well as participating in it, not only promotes basketball and our ‘Hoops for Health’ but encourages the federation to do even more.” 

Mr. Peter mentioned that even though over 30 teams (men & women) are participating in the competition, with some more teams expressing interest in joining the competition, the executives of BFPNG would reduce the number of teams to make it manageable. 

He further said aside from the competition, a couple of activities would be organized leading up to PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary in September.

“The competition is happening during the Golden Jubilee year for the country and therefore, we will be incorporating different activities during the course of the competition to commemorate the 50th Anniversary year of PNG,” Peter stated.

President Peter said he spoke with the Prime Minister James Marape and they planned to launch the proper season next Thursday (May 29), with the draws to be finalized on Wednesday (May 28).