New Caledonia ready to host FIBA U17 Oceania Championship

Noumea (New Caledonia) - New Caledonia will host the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship, the first step in the qualifying phase to the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup in Noumea, New Caledonia on August 18-24.

The island nation will host their first-ever FIBA Youth Qualifying tournament  and Ligue Nouvelle Calédonie Basketball (LRNCBB) President Thierry Durand expressed his excitement for the competition.

"It's important for New Caledonia to host because it is going to be the first big event for the players and it's an opportunity for the public to watch players of other countries too," Durand said.

FIBA Oceania Competitions Manager Amanda Jenkins visited New Caledonia last year for a venue check and has been working closely with LRNCBB in their preparation for the tournament

"We have been helping out the Federation in their preparation for the tournament and I will fly to Noumea early so we can iron out everything before all the teams arrive. We are confident that the event will be highly successful," Jenkins said.

Durand shared that the Basketball Federation is ready for the tournament to start.

"We are ready to welcome the U17 Championship teams and for the tournament to start on August 18. We have our Secretary-General, Bridget Delaveuve organizing workshops with the volunteers and the venue will be ready by Sunday," he said.

The FIBA Oceania Board Member also invited the visitors to enjoy New Caledonia and to experience their culture during their stay in the island nation.

"We welcome all the visitors to Noumea, please take the opportunity to discover our country, our culture and also good luck in the games," Durand said.

FIBA