The logo is designed by BANMI board member Gabriel White who is also the league commissioner of the on going Budweiser Basketball League.
A beautiful reflection of the traditions of the people of the NMI and the modern face of basketball in Oceania, the logo, according to BANMI will be featured on all correspondence and tournament information.
The Oceania Basketball Tournament will be held in Saipan from June 20 June 28, 2009.
Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tahiti, and Guam and Palau will send national men’s and women’s teams to compete with CNMI’s best.
Held every four years, the last Oceania Basketball Tournament was held in 2001.
BANMI said it is the only opportunity of Pacific Island basketball federations have to play against the strong Australian and New Zealand teams. All federations, BANMI added are looking forward to this tournament.
The local organizing committee chairman will be BANMI President Elias Rangamar.
He said in a statement that hosting the tournament is a tremendous honor, not only for CNMI basketball but also for the entire community.
“The tournament will bring 200 or more players, coaches, team officials, fans, and media personnel to the commonwealth from across the Pacific. We will get daily press coverage in some of our major tourism markets,” Rangamar said.
The tournament he added will be a great shot in the arm for CNMI tourism, at a time the commonwealth really needs it.
“We’re really looking forward to competing on the court against Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the Pacific’s best,” he added.
The sponsors include Tan Holdings and the Joeten Charitable Foundation.
Rangamar expressed his appreciation to the companies, and noted that additional sponsorship opportunities are available for companies who want to take advantage o associating with this prestigious tournament. For further information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Rangamar at 664-2502, or Mike White at
234-6547.
