HONIARA (Solomon Islands) – The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) are proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Baptiste Kelesi as its new Executive Officer. The official signing ceremony took place last week at the National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Island (NOCSI.
For the first time, SIBF will have a full-time Executive Officer dedicated to overseeing administrative duties, and developing basketball programs, a milestone made possible with support from the Australian Government through TeamUp.
SIBF Vice President, Douglas Marau expressed his gratitude to Kelesi for embracing the challenge of advancing basketball in the Solomon Islands.
“We warmly welcome Kelesi to SIBF,” Mr Marau said. “This is a crucial step for basketball development, particularly under TeamUp – Basketball for Good, which will enhance our program. Kelesi’s sports development experience, including his tenure at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), will be invaluable for our Federation.”
Kelesi, who has an extensive background in various sports such as rugby, archery, athletics, basketball, golf, shot-put, and tennis, previously served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at SINIS.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Kelesi said the following.
“I am thrilled to join SIBF. My experience over the past two years, along with my previous roles, equips me to achieve the goals of SIBF and TeamUp. I am committed to working closely with the board, FIBA, and TeamUp to meet our targets and engage with the community. It’s my passion to give back to sports.”
The signing was officiated by SIBF Vice President Douglas Marau, with SIBF Board representatives Debbie Sade and Secretary General Uriel Matanani serving as witnesses.
Basketball for Good
Basketball for Good is a sport for development program in the Solomon Islands. The grassroots program focusses on addressing gender inequality and bringing about positive change. The program is implemented by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation with the support of TeamUp, and FIBA to provide opportunities for youth, women, girls, and persons with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of sport.