The Vodafone Fiji Basketball Secondary Schools finals witnessed Marist Brothers High School winning the under-19 boys title, while Suva Grammar School and Adi Cakobau School shared the under-19 girls title. The boys team from Flagstaff secured the championship by defeating Yat Sen Secondary School with a score of 28-24.
In the girls’ competition, due to heavy rain disrupting their match, Suva Grammar and Adi Cakobau decided to share the U19 title. For the under-17 titles, Suva Grammar School girls dominated Gospel High School with a decisive 26-1 victory, while Yat Sen Secondary School edged out Suva Grammar School in the boys’ match with a narrow 20-19 win.
The under-15 category saw International School, Suva achieve a commanding 25-13 victory over Tilak High School, and Suva Grammar School girls won their U15 title against Latter Day Saints College, finishing with a score of 15-4. Despite the rainy conditions on August 31, players remained enthusiastic as they represented their schools in the championship.
Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the determination of the National Basketball Federation and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting basketball as a minor sport. She urged other schools to encourage their students to participate in the sport, expressing gratitude towards Vodafone for their sponsorship and calling on corporate partners to help develop sports facilities.
In her speech, Kuruleca quoted Michael Jordan, stating, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” She acknowledged the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials, parents, supporters, and alumni of participating schools.
She noted the increase in participation, with 53 teams in 2023 and a goal of 66 in 2024, hoping to include a primary schools’ tournament in 2025. Kuruleca emphasized that true victory encompasses lessons learned, friendships made, and personal growth within teams while reminding participants to embody compassion, humility, grace, and kindness.
The tournament took place at the Lautoka Multi-purpose Court as Term 2 school break commenced.