Chinese Embassy donates $20,000 to Basketball Fiji

Basketball Fiji received a timely boost towards their preparation for the Asia Cup Tier 2 competition next year after the Chinese Embassy donated $20,000 to the Federation.

The donation will also support the Federation for its ongoing development programs aimed at nurturing local talent and promoting the sport in the country.

This donation follows the continued efforts of the Embassy in supporting and promoting sports regionally, and last year, a similar donation helped Basketball Fiji prepare its national teams for the 2023 Pacific Games, where the men’s and women’s teams finished the tournament successfully with a gold and bronze medal respectively.

While presenting the donation, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian says they are honoured to be able to assist Basketball Fiji and to have a shared commitment to facilitate sports careers in the country.

He further expressed his confidence that the financial support would not only assist in the preparation of the national teams but also the various levels of competitions in the country, especially amongst primary and secondary schools.

Basketball Fiji’s President Iowane Naivalurua, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their generosity and unflinching support to the Federation, and their commitment to sports development in Fiji.

While reflecting on previous financial support, Naivalurua thanked the Embassy, stating that, through their support, they were able to win the gold medal at the Pacific Games.

He also highlighted how the continued backing has allowed the Federation to expand the sport within the country while also contributing to national building and through its various programmes, build better citizens who will be future leaders of the country.

The Fiji men’s basketball team will go through a series of preparations in the build-up for the Asia Cup Tier 2 competition that will be hosted in China next year.