Oceania's Basketball Future Takes Off: FIBA 3x3 High Performance Camp Launched

GOLD COAST (Australia) – FIBA, in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, is thrilled to announce the inaugural FIBA 3x3 High Performance Development Program for the Oceania region.

Aligning with FIBA's strategic priorities of Empowering National Federations, Developing Youth Basketball, and Making 3x3 the Most Thrilling Urban Sport, the camp will provide a platform for growth and development.  FIBA aims to build on an already strong foundation for the future of 3x3 basketball in Oceania.

“This program represents a significant investment in the future of basketball in the region and is expected to leave a lasting legacy,” FIBA Executive Director- Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said.  “We are to thrilled collaborate with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Federations (NFs), in making this camp a reality for the region to support the ongoing growth and development of athletes, coaches and referees.  The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the court. It's about inspiring young people, fostering a love of sport, and building stronger communities.”

Forging the Future of 3x3 in Oceania

Designed to cultivate the next generation of 3x3 basketball stars, the five-day camp will provide comprehensive training for athletes, coaches, and referees. Participants from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Northern Mariana Islands, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Tahiti, and Vanuatu will have the opportunity to enhance their skills, learn from experienced mentors, and compete at a high level.

This pilot program is a goldmine for aspiring athletes, coaches, and referees. Participants from National Federations in Oceania will immerse themselves in a world-class training environment.

But it’s more than just a camp; it's a platform to refine skills, ignite team spirit, and lay the groundwork for future Olympic glory.

3x3: Levelling the Playing Field

3x3 basketball has ignited a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its fast-paced action and urban energy. The sport's rapid ascent is evident in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where Australia's women's 3x3 team, the Gangurrus, proudly representing Oceania.

However, the allure of 3x3 extends far beyond the spotlight.  The sport offers a unique pathway for smaller nations to compete on the world's biggest stage. Latvia a country of just 1.89 million people, won gold in Tokyo , and once again qualified for Paris, proving that basketball dreams are within reach for all.

Olympic Solidarity Belief

As this high-performance camp demonstrates, FIBA and Olympic Solidarity are committed to developing 3x3 talent across the globe. By empowering National Federations and providing opportunities for athletes, coaches, and referees, they are helping to create a more inclusive and accessible basketball world.

Olympic Solidarity's involvement underscores the importance of supporting grassroots sports development. By providing crucial resources, they are helping to level the playing field and give Oceania's athletes a fair shot at competing on the world stage.

“Olympic Solidarity, the IOC’s mechanism for redistributing funds to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), in this case, with a focus on smaller NOCs is delighted to be collaborating with FIBA on this initiative,"  Olympic Solidarity Head of Sport Development Unit & Continental Manager Oceania, Sheila Stephens Desbans said. 

"The opportunity to work with the International Federation to support the next generation of youth athletes and their coaches through camps and tournament has been seen to be one of the important ways to target support to the smaller nations, but by working with the bigger nations and stronger sport system, there is a sharing of best practices.  With FIBA Oceania, the energy they have brought to this project has been huge.” 

The Future is Bright

As the countdown to the 2025 Mini Games in Palau begins, this camp is the perfect launchpad for Oceania's teams. The experience gained here will be invaluable as they strive for podium finishes.

FIBA Central Board Member and Palau Basketball Federation Secretary General, Jubilee Kuartei said the program will play an integral role in the success of 3x3 at the Mini Games.  “We are so excited to be hosting the Pacific Mini Games in Palau next year and this 3x3 High Performance Camp is the perfect preparation and pathway for all aspiring 3x3 NFs in our region.  Palau is a small nation but having our young men’s team defeat Guam during the group stages of the Pacific Games highlights what is possible through this format.”

Through this camp, FIBA and Olympic Solidarity are committed to supporting the growth of 3x3 in the region and providing opportunities for young athletes, coaches and referees to reach their full potential with the support of NOCs, NFs, and the City of Gold Coast.

The FIBA 3x3 High Performance Camp will take place on the Gold Coast, Australia, from September 24-28, at Somerset College with two days of competition to take place in the heart of Surfers Paradise.