POHNPEI (Federated States of Micronesia) - The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has taken a significant step in basketball development with a six-day Olympic Solidarity Technical Coach Course focused on 3x3 basketball, organized by the FSM Olympic Committee (FSMNOC) and FSM Basketball. Seventeen local coaches participated, highlighting a commitment to enhancing community pathways and building national federation capacity ahead of future opportunities within FIBA.

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The course aimed to advance FIBA’s strategic initiatives in Oceania, such as empowering national federations and promoting 3x3 basketball as a development tool for emerging nations. It provided coaches with practical skills to enhance basketball activities in schools, youth programs, and community courts, emphasizing accessibility and adaptability.

FSM President Benjamin Peterson remarked, “This course was exactly what our coaches needed. Coach Smith brought the right mix of knowledge, energy, and passion to help lift the level of 3x3 here in FSM. Our coaches felt motivated, supported, and genuinely empowered throughout the week.”

Jayden Smith, a facilitator for FIBA in Oceania and a participant of the inaugural FIBA in Oceania 3x3 High Performance Camp in 2023, led the sessions. He described the week as transformative, noting the eagerness of coaches to learn and their quick grasp of 3x3 fundamentals. Smith stated, “The coaches adapted well to the decision-making demands of 3x3. Once they understood spacing and advantage creation, everything opened up. You could see their confidence grow with every session.”

Smith emphasized that the course went beyond technical skills, focusing on strengthening the federation's long-term capacity. He highlighted the importance of empowering coaches to enhance the entire system, saying, “If coaches feel confident, organised, and connected, the whole system lifts. FSM has the right people; they just needed the opportunity to build together.”

The community-driven nature of the coaches was evident, as they aim to foster safe environments, build confidence, and provide belonging through basketball. Smith noted, “That’s where 3x3 can have a huge impact.”

The six-day program in Pohnpei symbolizes a convergence of strategic investment, community passion, and regional collaboration, creating momentum for the future of FSM basketball. With continued support from FIBA, the FIBA Foundation, and Olympic Solidarity, FSM is positioned to better engage coaches and inspire young players across the islands.

President Peterson expressed gratitude, saying, “We’re really grateful to Coach Smith, FIBA Oceania, and Olympic Solidarity for giving us this opportunity to grow.”

About Olympic Solidarity: Olympic Solidarity provides funding, training opportunities, and development programs to National Olympic Committees globally, enhancing sport pathways at all levels. Through initiatives like Technical Courses for Coaches, they help nations build sustainable coaching structures, improve athlete preparedness, and increase access to quality sports education.