The 2017 John Davidson Country Jamboree proved to be another huge success, with athletes and officials from over 30 NSW Country associations being represented at the four- day camp.
The Jamboree is Country Basketball’s first major event for young athletes, with some of the U12’s participants experiencing their first overnight camp away from home. This year, there were over 450 girls and boys who attended the skills day; with a total of 190 of those then selected to be a part of camp. The Jamboree is officially opened with a ceremony, with the honourable John Davidson given the task.
Over the duration of the camp the athletes are split into teams and then complete activities, training and also compete together. Majority of the time is spent on the court learning new skills, and focusing on developing aspects of their game as they continue to grow in the basketball realm. Alongside all the work that is done on the floor, other social activities including a trivia and movie night; as well the highly anticipated family barbecue which see’s parents, players, coaches and managers head to the park for an evening of socialising.
While the Country Jamboree is a great experience for athletes, it is also a fantastic pathway and development opportunity for our coaches and officials. Head Coach of Country Basketball Rex Nottage attends the Jamboree not just to help develop our future stars, but as well as our coaches; by hosting seminars and training sessions throughout the week. For the officials, Basketball NSW selects upcoming referees and uses the Country Jamboree as part of their development as well.
The Country Jamboree would not be possible without our incredible volunteers, who assist from managing teams, making lunches and just ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day. Basketball NSW would like to thank Leanne Palmer, Rex Nottage, Annie Neale Barker, Debbie Burghardt, Nicole Mcmahon, Scott Balsar and Amy McGregor for their tireless work with Country Basketball to make this event as fantastic and enjoyable as it was.
You can catch a glimpse of the Jamboree, via the video below