Aussie High Comm backs Sugu Basketball Association to build a Basketball Court, Community Hall

The Australian High Commission boosted the Sugu Basketball Association with building materials to erect a Basketball Court and a Community Hall in Katiloma village, Sugu Valley LLG, Kagua-Erave District, Southern Highlands Province.

Under the “Pilai Long Stap Wantaim PNG” (Play for Unity) Fund, it is an Australian-supported small grants initiative in Papua New Guinea that uses sport to drive community development, youth empowerment, and social inclusion.

Following a bloody conflict between several tribes living in the Sugu Valley a few years ago, a local young man, Samuel Tasa, took an initiative by mobilising the youths and starting the Sugu Peace Basketball Association in 2024.  

Tasa established the association with a goal to unite the warring tribes and engage them in the sport of basketball. The competition has done wonders for Sugu Valley, creating opportunities for local talents to expose their skills and addressing law-and-order problems. 

After formally being affiliated with the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) in 2025, the Sugu Basketball Association has participated in several tournaments, including the Highlands Regional Championship and Kewabi-Epari Unity Basketball tournament.

“From grassroots level to national level, we started on a dusty court in Sugu Valley, and now, God has opened another door. We will now have a concrete basketball court and a community hall in Sugu Valley,” Tasa said.

“We have participated in the Highlands Regional Club Championship in Riwi village, Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, and were recognized by the Basketball Federation of PNG.”

Seeing the impressive work being done by Mr. Tasa and his executive, the Australian High Commission stepped in to provide building materials for the association. 

President Samuel Tasa expressed his gratitude to the Australian High Commission for supporting the thriving association. 

“We want to sincerely thank the Australian High Commission through the ‘Pilai Long Stap Wantaim’ program for believing in the Sugu Basketball Association,” he said.

“This is history for the Sugu Basketball Association. From dusty court to cement court. From dream to real building.

“This court will keep our youths away from trouble. This hall will bring our community together for meetings, church services, peace negotiations, and sporting events.”

He added: “We thank all our elites who helped us in small or big ways, including moral support, prayers, and hard work.

“Our boys are carrying the materials with their own hands. They are building their own future. This is for our mothers, fathers, children, and our future.

“No pride. Only humility. Only hard work. Because pride leads to destruction, but humility and unity build a community. Sugu, we are rising.”

A local construction company, Sugu Cigars, has been engaged to build a concrete basketball court and a community hall in Katiloma village.