2020 FIBA U15 Oceania officially cancelled

GOLD COAST (Australia) - FIBA Oceania officially announced the cancellation of the FIBA U15 Oceania Championships slated this December in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was supposed to gather FIBA's youngest international youth competition on December 7-12, 2020.

Several factors including the continuing community transmission, quarantine and lockdown measures in Port Moresby, travel restrictions in the region, and economic impact contributed to the unfortunate cancellation of the event.

With the cancellation of the event that serves as the official qualifier to the FIBA Asia U16 Championships, the top teams based on the world rankings will be the region’s representative to the continental meet.

Papua New Guinea will be given the right to host the FIBA U17 Oceania Championships in December 2023.

FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker provided a statement and acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances that led to the cancellation of the event.

“It’s very unfortunate to encounter challenges beyond our control but it is of our utmost responsibility and priority to assure everyone’s health in light of this worldwide crisis. So, while we are left without a choice but to cancel this upcoming event, we will always value the health and safety of everyone involved in the event,” said Crocker.

Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea President, Karo Lelai also backed the decision of FIBA and reiterated their commitment to the development of their youth program with the chance to host tournaments in the future.

“BFPNG fully supports the decision taken. Consistent with FIBA, our number one priority is the welfare and health of our basketball community. BFPNG will be proud to host the U17 Oceania Champs in 2023. And we look forward to continuing to work with FIBA to ensure junior development continues to be given priority,” said Lelai.

FIBA Oceania will look to support participating countries with in-country activity aimed to support the development of the U15 age group

FIBA