The Hoops for Equality Pilot Coaching Workshop, a collaborative effort between the Team Up Program and FIBA in Oceania, is set to bolster inclusive basketball development across Papua New Guinea. The initiative concentrates on nurturing local coaching and officiating talent, with a distinct focus on elevating women and girls into leadership positions within the sport.
Among the participants is Kathy Araea, a 2025 Women in Basketball LEAD Alumni hailing from Milne Bay. Araea, who began playing basketball in high school, seized the opportunity to sharpen her coaching abilities and contribute to junior development in her community, embodying the workshop’s gender‑equality agenda.
The program integrates health, wellbeing, and gender equality into its curriculum, recognizing that holistic support is essential for sustainable growth. By embedding these principles, the workshop seeks to create a nurturing environment where female athletes and officials can thrive.
Empowering the Next Generation in Alotau
Araea believes the workshop will forge stronger pathways for young players in Alotau, offering mentorship and practical tools that extend beyond the court.
A central aim of the pilot is to inspire more women to pursue coaching and refereeing roles, thereby diversifying the talent pool that guides the sport’s future. Araea attributes much of her leadership journey to the influence of her mother, a constant source of encouragement.
Backed by the FIBA Foundation’s global outreach and the Australian Government’s Team Up and PacificAus Sports initiatives, Basketball Papua New Guinea stands to benefit from enhanced technical expertise and a renewed commitment to inclusive development.