DYCA - Media, June 29, 2023 - The highly anticipated FSM-WIDE Basketball League is set to kick off today, showcasing the remarkable talent of young athletes of Yap State in the 17 and under division.
Organized by the Division of Youth Services at the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, in collaboration with the Sports Development Office, this groundbreaking initiative aims to develop the skills of aspiring basketball players in the Federated States of Micronesia.
In a significant step towards realizing this vision, the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, together with the Sports Development Office, embarked on a journey to establish the first-ever 17 and under Junior State Team. After the selection processes, eleven exceptional players were chosen to represent Yap State in this league.
Presently, the Yap Team has arrived in Pohnpei and eagerly anticipates their participation in the 17 and Under FSM-WIDE Basketball League.
The Yap Team began their journey in Yap with an Exhibition Game on Friday, June 23, 2023, captivating the audience at the Yap Sports Complex. Building upon this momentum, the 17 Under Basketball League Team embarked on their flight from Yap to Pohnpei on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, to proudly represent Yap State in this highly competitive event.
Today, on June 29, the Yap Team will face off against the Kosrae Team at 3pm, in what promises to be a thrilling opening match.
The game schedule continues as follows:
Friday, June 30 — 3pm: PNI2 vs Yap / 5pm: PNI1 vs Chuuk
Saturday, July 01 — 1pm: Chuuk vs Yap / 5pm: PNI2 vs KSA
Sunday, July 02 — 1pm: Yap vs PNI1 / 5pm: Kosrae vs Chuuk
The Finals will take place on Monday and Tuesday, July 03 and 04, 2023, following a thorough analysis of the teams' performance throughout the regular games. Leading the Yap Team for the 17 Under division is Head Coach Julius G. Thinniyog and
Assistant Coach: Selma Single.
The team comprises of:
Martin Edilyong
Barney Tara
Mico Gailang
Myren Lance
Jude Emuchoilug
Josiah Echemai
Akim Ramngen
Skylor Tamangan
Dylan Sor
Anthony Yokbay
Junary Gajdusek
Yesterday morning, June 28, 2023, the Yap Team flew from Yap to Pohnpei to attend the opening ceremony. The Opening ceremony, which commenced at 5:30pm Pohnpei time, featured notable speeches from esteemed figures, including representatives from the President's Office, the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei, and Director Alex Gilfiley, who led the Yap delegation and represented Yap State.
During Director Gilfiley's address, he extended gratitude to the Governor of Pohnpei and the President of the FSM, presenting them with a small gift as a token of appreciation for their gracious invitation and hospitality. These gifts symbolize the deep respect and appreciation from the Government and the Governor of the State of Yap.
In concluding the opening ceremony, Pohnpei's beloved Basketball Star Benjamin Peterson declared,"Let the 17 and under games begin” officially opening the event.
Comments