The basketball did more than bounce last weekend in Aiyura in the Eastern Highlands province, it built bridges.
The Aiyura Basketball Association (ABA) successfully hosted a three-day Friendship Basketball Tournament, uniting teams from the Momase and Highlands regions in a celebration of sport, skill and shared community.
Held from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 at Aiyura Green Valley, the tournament brought together junior and senior teams in Under-17 and Open divisions, with both male and female players taking part.
Teams travelled from across Madang, Lae, Wau, Jiwaka, Goroka, Kainantu, Yonki and Aiyura, turning the valley into a regional hoop hub.
Despite persistent rain preventing the completion of all finals, the atmosphere remained positive and competitive. ABA President Kevin Wal said the tournament was never about trophies alone.
“This tournament is more than basketball,” he said. “It’s about strengthening connections between communities, giving young players exposure, and nurturing their passion for the game. Friendship and unity were the real winners.”
Teams were accommodated at SIL PNG housing, which provided secure and comfortable lodging throughout the event. Visiting teams and officials praised the warm hospitality shown by the host association, reinforcing the tournament’s theme of connection beyond the court.
In the Under-17 division, Eastern Pride Basketball Club (Goroka) claimed first place in the boys’ category, while ABA Girls topped the junior female division.
In the Open Men’s division, Jiwaka led Pool A, followed by Walium and Lae City, while SIL Crusaders claimed first place in Pool B ahead of ABA Men and Yonki Men.
In the Open Senior Women’s division, ABA finished first, followed by Wau Women and Jiwaka Women.
All teams received certificates of participation, with cash envelopes distributed, SIL gift packs provided to players and officials, and Basketball for Good and ABA/FCA T-shirts handed out as part of the recognition program.
ABA acknowledged the strong backing of K92 Mining as major sponsor, SIL PNG for venue and accommodation support, and the ABA management team for their commitment behind the scenes.
President Wal said the tournament reflected the true spirit of basketball in Papua New Guinea—unity, resilience and shared purpose.
As Momase and Highlands teams returned home, they carried more than results: they carried new friendships, renewed motivation and proof that sport still speaks the loudest when communities listen together.
