Fiji basketball teams welcomed by President Konrote in the state house

Photo from Fijian Government Facebook page

FIJI - Fiji's basketball teams presented their I-Tatau to Fiji President Jioji Konrote in the State House in Suva, Fiji.

President Konrote welcomed the national teams to the state residence last November 21 and expressed his support to the teams in their upcoming competitions.

“You will be playing against countries with great reputations, but you have played well, and your coaches have taught you the skills that are needed,” President Konrote said.

"You are Fiji's ambassadors on and off the field, you represent the country and your families, and I don’t have any doubt that you will represent your country well," he added.

The Fiji Men's basketball team will compete in the FIBA Asia Cup Eastern Region Qualifiers on November 25-30 in Thailand while the U15 Boys and Girls team will participate in the FIBA U15 Oceania Championships in Papua New Guinea on December 4-8.

Fiji U15 Girls manager, Apenis Naitini shared the gravity of the visit and how it has positively affected the players before the competition.

"I-Tatau is a formal presentation and customary tradition in Fiji for national sports teams to get the approval and blessing of the President representing our country in international competitions," said Naitini.

"It's a great honor and big deal for us especially for the boys and girls team to have the backing and support of the government. It's the first time for all of the kids to meet the president," he added.

 VIDEO:  Fijian President receives i-Tatau from the Fiji Basketball team

 FIBA