GOLD COAST (Australia) - A new regional partnership is set to elevate youth and community basketball in Palau, with FIBA in Oceania in conjunction with Basketball Australia through funding from the Australian Embassy in Palau supporting Palau Basketball Federation to deliver a three‑year Basketball For Good initiative grounded in FIBA’s global Women in Basketball and 3x3 Strategic Goals.
The collaboration strengthens long‑standing ties between Palau and Australia while expanding development pathways that place inclusion, leadership and opportunity for young people at the centre of the program.
The announcement follows Palau’s successful staging of the first Oceania edition of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, a milestone that showcased the country’s growing capacity to host and deliver high‑quality basketball events. Building on that momentum, the new partnership will broaden access to participation and training opportunities aligned with the Palau National Youth Policy 2023–2027, supporting national priorities around youth empowerment, healthier communities and long‑term sporting development.
With basketball already one of Palau’s most loved sports, the initiative will enhance community programs through a Basketball Australia She Hoops clinic, a workshop for local coaches, expanded 3x3 delivery and the provision of equipment to support grassroots activities.
The partnership also places strong emphasis on strengthening local capability, ensuring coaches and program leaders have the tools and support needed to sustain growth through the Palau Basketball Federation.
FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of regional stakeholders to creating meaningful pathways for young people.
“This collaboration shows what is possible when federations and partners work together with a clear vision for development. Palau Basketball Federation and Basketball Australia have demonstrated real leadership in creating opportunities that will benefit young people for years to come.”
She highlighted the alignment with FIBA’s global Women in Basketball Strategy, noting its importance in shaping the program’s direction. “Ensuring girls have equal access to safe, inspiring and high‑quality basketball experiences is central to our mission. This partnership is a powerful example of how regional collaboration can accelerate progress and strengthen the foundations of the game across Oceania.”
Australian Ambassador to Palau, Tony Sharpe said “Sport strengthens the people-to-people connections that anchor our region’s most resilient partnerships. Australia values its enduring relationship with Palau, and we are proud to support initiatives that empower young people and foster the next generation of Pacific leaders."
She Hoops’ Australian National Ambassador, Naismith Hall of Famer and Opals’ legend Lauren Jackson AO OLY said “Following on from the success of Palau’s Kierra Kedengel Ketebengang as an inaugural She Hoops Leadership and Confidence scholarship participant, we are excited to bring She Hoops to Palau for the first time. Basketball is already incredibly popular in the Pacific, and we know this three-year program will only strengthen it and further develop next generation leaders in sport. We commend DFAT, Palau Basketball and FIBA for establishing this fantastic partnership.”
Palau Basketball Secretary General, Jubilee Kuartei said “This three-year partnership represents a significant step forward for basketball and youth development in Palau. It strengthens our ability to empower young people, support and upskill local coaches, and build a sustainable future for basketball nationwide. We are deeply grateful for the investment and commitment shown by our partners, and it is a true privilege to collaborate with a global leader in women’s basketball like Basketball Australia in advancing women’s basketball and using basketball for good. We sincerely thank the Australian Government, Basketball Australia, and FIBA in Oceania for this opportunity. Personally, I am especially excited about the She Hoops Program and what it will mean for the next generation of girls in Palau.”
About the Australian Embassy in Palau
The Australian Embassy in Palau works to strengthen Australia–Palau cooperation across development, education, climate resilience and community wellbeing. Through partnerships with government, civil society and regional organisations, the Embassy supports initiatives that empower young people, advance gender equality and build sustainable local capacity. Its collaboration with the Palau Basketball Federation and Basketball Australia reflects Australia’s commitment to sport as a driver of inclusion, leadership and stronger communities across the Pacific.
For more information about the Australian Embassy’s work in Palau, visit the Embassy’s official website or follow @AusEmbPalau on social media.