PNG Basketball secures new venue agreement

A landmark agreement will see the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre become the ‘Home of Hoops’ for the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG).

Representatives from BFPNG and PNG Sports Foundation-Venue Management (PNGSFVM) signed the paperwork on Tuesday this week.

Through the arrangement, BFPNG will continue to utilise the courts and function rooms at the complex, while TAIC will be the official venue for the Federation’s senior national championships set for July and the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup later in September of this year.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu said the Federation was thankful to PNGSFVM for partnering with them.

“To grow any sport, you need access to facilities and we are grateful that we’ve been able to secure this agreement with PNGSFVM.

“TAIC is a high-quality, multidimensional venue that rates as the best in the Pacific when it comes to hosting basketball competitions and tournaments.

“We’ll continue running BFPNG activities at TAIC and we are excited about delivering our national championships and the FIBA Melanesia Cup at the venue later this year.”

“We certainly know the basketball fraternity will also be thrilled about this partnership and will treat the venue with the upmost respect during its utilization,” said Khalu.

 National Sports Trust Ltd Company Secretary, Anneka Linge said it was fantastic to formalize partnerships with National Federations.

“We want our venues being utilized and partnering with National Federation’s is a positive way of making that happen. We hope that all users of this facility appreciate what it has to offer and use it appropriately to ensure its longevity.

“This agreement is the first of its kind for our indoor venues and we’re hopeful that it begins a trend, where more sports become proactive like basketball in utilizing our fantastic facilities,” said Linge.

TAIC Venue Manager, Agaru Taunao was also pleased with basketball being a valued tenant.

“Since the 2015 Pacific Games we’ve established an outstanding relationship with BFPNG and we’re proud to be associated with them as they continue to move their sport forward,” said Taunao.

Author: 
Troy Taule