The Samoa Basketball Federation donated basketball equipment to St. Joseph's College at Alafua, providing another pathway for students who are not keen on rugby and other mainstream sports.

Principal Susitina Maletino Levao spoke on behalf of the school acknowledging the donation of basketball hoops and basketballs.

"I was taken by surprise when I was told that the basketball association will be donating these equipment for our school," she said. 

"We do have a basketball team but there were no equipment to develop the sport in our school that is why I am grateful for the association for providing these it will be of great help for our students who loves the sport."

It has been two years since she became Principal of the college and that is also how long basketball has been introduced into St. Joseph's College.

"This is a Catholic school as you all know however not all students here are Catholics," she said.

"There are some students from the Mormon church so they have knowledge of the sport and they come and taught their friends which resulted in other kids wanting to have a go at the sport. 

"Not all students are good in athletics, rugby or even academically but maybe basketball can create a future pathway for them."

According to the President of the Samoa basketball, Pauga Fata Pauga, St Joseph's is the first college they have donated the equipment to. 

"We are still negotiating with Samoa College (for a donation) but they (S.J.C.) are the first College to respond," he said.

"We made this handover because this school has a multipurpose gym and it is fitting for the sport. This is just the right size for a basketball field. We have gone to primary schools and now we are going to secondary schools."

The equipment is estimated to have cost $60,000.