KOROR (Palau) - A successful week of basketball development activities in Koror has been delivered through a collaboration involving the Palau Basketball Federation, the Australian Embassy in Palau, PacificAus Sports, FIBA in Oceania and Basketball Australia, strengthening pathways for young people and building local capacity across coaching, officiating and community sport delivery.
With Women in Basketball a strategic priority for FIBA, the program also placed a strong focus on creating opportunities for women and girls, supported through PacificAus Sports’ ongoing investment in women’s basketball across the Oceania region.
The visit brought together three aligned initiatives: a She Hoops Camp, a FIBA Tournament Coach Course, and a FIBA Referee Workshop, each designed to support Palau’s growing basketball ecosystem and contribute to long‑term participation and leadership opportunities. Across the week, young players, emerging coaches and local referees engaged in practical learning environments supported by regional experts, reinforcing the value of partnership‑driven development in the Pacific.
Palau Basketball Secretary Jubilee Kuartei said the visit represented an important step in building local capability and creating a stronger basketball pathway for future generations.
"This visit reinforced how meaningful regional partnership can be for small island communities like ours," Ms Kuartei said. "The learning shared with our coaches, referees and young players will shape how we deliver basketball in a way that reflects Palau’s values of unity, respect and hard work. We are grateful for the support shown to our island, mesulang to our partners for walking alongside us as we strengthen basketball for the next generation."
The She Hoops Camp provided an inclusive space for girls to build confidence, connection and on‑court skills, the broader program focused on strengthening the foundations of community basketball in Palau. While the Tournament Coach Course equipped participants with tools to plan, deliver and evaluate effective training sessions, complimenting the She Hoops Camp with real-time skill development. The Referee Workshop supported officials to enhance consistency, game management and understanding of FIBA rules. Together, these activities form an important first step under the Basketball for Good partnership in Palau, with further initiatives planned to support youth engagement and local leadership.
Coaches from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia participated in the week’s activities, reinforcing FIBA in Oceania’s focus on cross‑regional learning and strengthening technical capacity throughout the region.
FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering Pacific communities through sport, while creating more opportunities for women and girls to participate, develop and lead within basketball.
“This visit shows what can be achieved when regional partners work together with a clear purpose,” Ms Jenkins said. “Strengthening local coaches, referees and young players is essential to building a sustainable basketball future, and we are proud to collaborate with the Australian Embassy in Palau, PacificAus Sports, Basketball Australia and the Palau Basketball Federation to support that growth. Palau’s performance and hosting of the Pacific Mini Games 2025 highlighted the power of 3x3 to unite communities and elevate youth participation across Micronesia, and this program continues that trajectory.”
Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Toby Sharpe, said the week highlighted the important role sport can play in connecting communities and creating opportunities for young people.
“Australia and Palau share a strong love of sport, and it was fantastic to see so many young people getting involved in basketball throughout the week. Through the Basketball for Good partnership, Australia is proud to support more opportunities for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and take on new opportunities both on and off the court.”
The partnership will continue to deliver targeted development opportunities over the coming years, supporting national priorities around youth empowerment, healthier communities and inclusive participation. With strong collaboration already established, the program marks a positive step forward for basketball in Palau and the wider Oceania region.
FIBA