Solomon Island National Basketball Development Officer (NBDO) Golden Kiloko and former Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD Basketball), Ryan Burns were on hand in Honiara recently to receive a consignment of FIBA logo rubber basketballs in a range of sizes from past president of the federation and local businessman Lawrence Quan.  Current President of the federation, Freda Hatigeva is on bereavement leave from her work in Honiara and could not be present for the photo.

Our photo shows the handover of the equipment reported in the local media.  Not only will the donation of the balls help with the conduct of Solomon Island basketball activities but the reporting in the local newspaper will also give our sport a lift in public awareness.

The donation of balls from FIBA Oceania is part of their ongoing development assistance for the sport in the Solomon Islands.  An annual salary subsidy for the employment of the NBDO, financial assistance for the AYAD, visits by our Zone Development Officers as well as technical and equipment aid are provided on a regular basis to promote the sport in the Solomon Islands.

FIBA Oceania expresses its thanks and appreciation to Lawrence Quan and his family business QQQ for assistance in shipping the goods to Honiara.  Quan, a former President of the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation continues to be an enthusiast and supporter.  In  1997 FIBA Oceania recognised Quan's work by awarding him the Patricia Ramsay Award. 

Increasing business and family commitments meant that Quan had to relinquish his leadership role with basketball several years ago.

Quan's continued support for our sport is evidence of the adage that "you can take the man out of basketball, but you can't take basketball out of the man".Federations wishing to arrange a donation of  basketballs should contact Regan Kama in the FIBA Oceania office on regan@fibaoceania.com.