YOUTH OLYMPIC TEAMS HEAD TO CHINA

By Patrick Lujan

The Guam Girls 3×3 Basketball Team heads to the Youth Olympic Games in China. (courtesy photo)

Guam Basketball Confederation sent its girls 3×3 basketball team to Nanjing, China to participate in the Youth Olympic Games Aug. 16-28.

It is the first time Guam is sending a team delegation to any level of the Olympic movement, according to Jon Lujan, Guam’s National Basketball Development Officer.

“The GBC is delighted to have this opportunity for our young team,” Lujan said. “We have the best team Guam can put out and hope to show the world that our island has the skills to hopefully match with the larger nations.”

Guam’s top players: Dyonii Quitugua (GW), Felicia Borja (Okkodo), Kali Benavente (Academy) and Destiny Castro (Notre Dame) all qualified by earning points by participating in FIBA-sanctioned 3×3 events. They are lead by coach Jin Han.

Guam is in pool B and starts competition next Monday against Belgium followed by games against Romania, Andorra, Indonesia, Chinese-Taipei, Egypt, Czech Republic, Thailand and finally the United States on Sunday, Aug. 24.

“Looking at our schedule, we’re truly facing the world and we get to play the United States in our last game of round robin,” Lujan added. “Our girls will be getting a wealth of experience and I know they will make Guam proud.”

Also heading out to China is judoka Van Castro, wrestler Mia-Lahnee Aquino and golfers Devin Hua and Nalathai Vongjalorn.

Tasi Ada is the team’s chef de mission.