Basketball issues 2019 Pacific Games schedule

Basketball is the first sport to release its schedule for the Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.

Technical Delegate Amanda Jenkins says the venue and team preparations are on track.

"It's exciting this is the time first we have qualifying pathways for this event. Any team who underestimates their opponent will be the ones who will not progress."

Jenkins is certain basketball teams from the Oceania region will be putting on their best performances to win a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers.

"It's a qualifying event for us into the Asia Cup, so it is important to get the best referees from the region together. There are about 20 international referees with a handful of local refs as well. All of our technical officials will be locally-based people," She said.

Jenkins added that the Pacific Games are a chance for sport federations to train officials.

"We use it as an opportunity to train, and for all of the federations that don't have referees who are refereeing at a high standard - we use it as a good chance to train together and help these people.

"One thing that I have learnt from the Polynesian Cup last year was that the people we have are quality people and they definitely make the Games a great experience for everyone."

Basketball, 5x5 and 3x3, will be held for the entire fortnight of the Games in Gym 2 at the Faleata Sports Complex.

The 2019 Pacific Games will be held in Samoa in July.

     

Author: 
Joshua Sitema