Timoci Matai Namalo will officiate at the 2014 World Women’s Under-17 basketball championship in Slovakia on June 26- July 3.
Even though Fiji will not compete in the eight-day tourney, Namalo would proudly fly the flag.
The Nadoria, Rewa native will be officiating in his first world meet and said this was a huge opportunity for him.
“I’m excited as this is part of my long term goal and I will keep on striving for more,”Namalo said.
“ I had my International Basketball Federation(FIBA) level two badge  in 2011.”
Namalo first had his international experience in the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia. He also officiated at the Oceania Games in New Zealand where his FIBA badge was renewed.
The sky is the limit for the Rewa native as he tries to achieve his higher goals.
“I’m setting my goals high and that is to try and aim for the Olympic Games and will also try to make it to the National Basketball Association (NBA).”
He started his basketball career at the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Secondary School and developed it further with his local clubs Davui Magics, Bryce and is currently with the Police club.
Namalo was a member of the Fiji U22 men’s side for the Oceania Games in 1998. He is married with two children.
Some of the world’s top teams competing at the event includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Mali, Mexico, Spain, and  USA.

Source: The Fiji Sun Newspaper

Monday 17th February 2014