Special Olympics Papua New Guinea (SOPNG) has officially introduced 3x3 Basketball as a new sport for its athletes, following the successful hosting of a 3x3 Basketball Coach Workshop on May 16, at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby.

The workshop was delivered with support from the PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Basketball Federation under the Play for Equity Grant program.

A total of 25 participants completed the workshop and were trained as coaches to support athletes within their respective teams in the new sport.

The training covered several key areas including, inclusive coaching practices for athletes with disabilities, communication and athlete welfare, strength and conditioning, as well as technical and practical sessions focused on 3x3 Basketball rules, formats, and skills development.

National Youth Leader and workshop facilitator Eunice Wanjumoe, said the newly trained coaches are now expected to return to their respective teams and begin preparing athletes for upcoming competitions.

“The newly trained coaches are now expected to return to their respective teams and train athletes in preparation for the upcoming Mini 3x3 Basketball Competition scheduled for June.”

The initiative marks another step in expanding sporting opportunities and inclusive participation for athletes involved with Special Olympics Papua New Guinea.