In Kikori, Gulf Province, where muddy courts and unpredictable seas are part of everyday life, Ella Dodobai is using basketball as a vehicle for community transformation.

Dodobai is the president of the Kikori Urban Basketball Association (KUBA), as well as a mother of four, community organiser and a long-time advocate for youth development through sport.

Her work has seen basketball become a unifying force in a region often isolated by geography and limited resources.

A group of young people stand on a dirt court with a basketball hoop in the background doing training exercises Young people in Kikori participate in a training session on the village basketball court.(Supplied)

She has led community clean-a-thons in Kerema to promote pride in public spaces, and fundraised to ensure young athletes could travel and compete.

When resources were scarce, she stepped in herself, financing long and difficult journeys so teams could take part in major competitions.

In 2024, KUBA teams travelled by road through Southern Highlands, Mount Hagen, Jiwaka, Simbu and Goroka to attend the All Star National Championships. 

For the Southern Region Games, teams journeyed by banana boat and road via Port Moresby, Central Province and Alotau, the journeys often undertaken with minimal resources but reflecting Dodobai’s belief in the power of sport to create opportunities.

KUBA senior teams in Kikori, Gulf province KUBA senior teams in Kikori, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.(Supplied)

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Jordan Sere, Basketball for Good Coordinator, described her as “extraordinary”, praising her determination to ensure Kikori is represented at major tournaments regardless of distance or logistical challenges.

That determination was on full display at the 2025 Southern Regional Tournament in Alotau, where Kikori teams dominated the competition. 

The men’s division concluded with an all-Kikori grand final, with Team One defeating Team Two 79–66. Her son Adam Maikai was named Most Valuable Player, while Ipai Willie (Kikori Team Two) claimed Top Scorer and Best Performer honours.

What was once a remote rural community is now producing athletes who shine nationally and internationally. 

A group of young people practise basketball drills dribbling basketballs in a line standing on a dirt floor Kikori youth practising basketball drills.(Supplied)Basketball for good 

For Dodobai, however, success is measured beyond results.  

Her influence extends across the Pacific through her role as a Basketball for Good ambassador delivered through the Team Up program.

“Basketball is more than a game for us,” Dodobai said. 

“It’s about opening doors, giving our young people hope, and showing them they belong in spaces they never imagined.”

For young women, Dodobai sees basketball as a pathway to leadership and confidence.

Three people play basketball on a muddy court in bare feet. The lady in the middle holds the basketball to pass it Basketball is more than a game for the people of Kikori.(Supplied)

“When our daughters step onto the court, they learn to speak with courage, to lead with strength, and to believe they deserve every opportunity,” she said.

“I want every girl in Kikori to know that sport can be her voice, her platform, and her future.”