The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is pioneering a groundbreaking sports initiative that merges institutional camaraderie with national athletic ambition. The VALIANCE 3×3 basketball inter-station competition, concluding on December 5 after commencing on December 4, represents more than just an internal tournament—it’s a strategic move to strengthen the country’s basketball infrastructure.
This innovative program operates under the official FIBA 3×3 framework, meaning every game directly contributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s international ranking within the basketball federation. The timing is particularly significant as the nation sets its sights on qualifying for major global events including the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ricardo Dass emphasized the dual-purpose nature of VALIANCE, noting that while enhancing team spirit among officers, the initiative simultaneously identifies and develops talent for national representation. “Officers who demonstrate exceptional skill can transition into representative squads,” Dass explained, “creating a pool of experienced 3×3 players who may eventually represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.”
The tournament’s organizational structure ensures all participating officers are registered on the official play.fiba3x3.com platform, guaranteeing that their performances count toward official rankings and national team eligibility criteria. Looking beyond the current competition, organizers have already begun discussions about expanding the event to include other national security agencies, potentially creating a more competitive developmental platform that could further elevate the country’s basketball prospects.