By Eleanor Gee

Around 36 athletes will take part in the Tonga Basketball play.fiba3x3 Tournament, sponsored by Digicel Tonga, starting on Friday, October 22 at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium at 5:30pm.

The tournament will see two age group categories competing including the Opens for players aged 18 and over and the Young Swish for 13-17 years old.

Tonga National Basketball Association's (TNBA) Saia Vaipuna said the tournament finals will be held on Saturday, October 30, as a Family Day event, where basketball development programmes and a fundraising campaign will be launched.

The development programmes are aimed at three age groups, Lil Swish (12-years olds and under), Young Swish (13-17 years old) and Opens (18-years old and over).

The Tonga Swish Campaign [2] is an online interactive fundraiser with Tongans from around the world taking part in a global challenge of shooting hoops in teams. People who wish to take part can join teams, led by team captains. 

Vaipuna said all funds raised will go towards supporting the development programmes and Tonga’s participation in international competitions.

In addition, TNBA will focus on in-country development of this popular global sport by providing additional an sporting option to the traditional Tonga sporting codes being rugby union, league and netball, he said.

“Historically, basketball has been in Tonga for over 30-years but unfortunately, it has been a staggered intermittent journey. TNBA is now focused on in-country development to ensure basketball realizes full traction in-country.”

Members of the public can attend the events for free.

Sponsorship

Meanwhile, Digicel Tonga is providing sponsorship worth $5,500 to support the development of basketball in Tonga.

Anthony Seuseu, CEO for Digicel Tonga said they are proud to support Tonga Basketball in an effort to promote healthy living and sports enjoyment amongst the community.