Annie La Fleur

BFPNG identified its contingent of referees and score bench officials prior to the tournament, with twenty five members being selected from throughout the country.

Before games commenced on Tuesday, the group undertook a three-hour, pre-tournament workshop on Monday. The education session was delivered under the guidance of FIBA Oceania Development

Manager Annie La Fleur, who  travelled to Port Moresby from the Gold Coast for the championships.

“Making sure we develop referees and officials is very important to FIBA Oceania,” La Fleur said.

“I can remember climbing up mango trees with my brother and cousins and being outside playing until it was dark,” La Fleur recalled.

The Papua New Guinean born, Australian Olympian is currently in Port Moresby to help facilitate a Hoops for Health Coaching Course as part of her role as FIBA Oceania Development Manager.