ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – St. Kitts & Nevis captured the title at the Alliance – Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest 2026, held in St. Eustatius on June 13 and 14 as part of the Statia Roots Festival.
The tournament, organized by the St. Eustatius Basketball Federation and the Statia Roots Festival Foundation, brought together teams from Aruba, Anguilla, Saba, St. Kitts & Nevis and Suriname for two days of competition, cultural activities and regional exchange under the festival theme, “The Story Must Be Told.”
By winning the tournament, St. Kitts & Nevis earned qualification for the FIBA 3x3 Birmingham Challenger in Alabama, United States, a stop on the official FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit. Suriname finished as runner-up.
Beyond the basketball action, the event aimed to connect sport with the cultural heritage of St. Eustatius. Organizers said the tournament also contributes to the island’s growing profile as a destination for sports tourism and regional sporting events.
“This weekend showed what is possible when sport, culture and community come together,” said Taro Merkman, president of both the St. Eustatius Basketball Federation and the Statia Roots Festival Foundation. “Hoops & Heritage continues to grow as a platform that unites the Caribbean through basketball while celebrating our shared heritage and identity.”
Residents and visitors attended a weekend of games, music and cultural activities as part of the wider Statia Roots Festival programme. Organizers thanked athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers and sponsors for their support, as well as partners including Basketball Nederland, the Public Entity St. Eustatius and several local businesses and organizations.
The event was the second edition of Hoops & Heritage, following its inaugural staging in 2025.
