U20’s BACK IN MACKAY
Basketball Australia today announced that the 2022 Australian Under 20 and Ivor Burge Championships will return to Mackay, Queensland.
The event will run from Tuesday 19 April until Sunday 24 April and will once again include the NBA Global Academy who will participate in the initial rounds but not in the finals. The NBA Global Academy inclusion is a great opportunity for the state teams to test themselves against some of the best emerging players in the world.
The competition this year will be fierce with all states fielding strong teams and a determination to take the gold. The 2021 men’s event was won by Queensland while in the women’s competition NSW defeated a decade long dominance by Victoria to take victory.
Paul Maley Executive General Manager, Competitions, Participation and Education said “the feedback from the players on Mackay as a destination was extremely positive and we are excited to return for our second year. The U20’s competition is one of Basketball Australia’s premium events that continues to grow each year and provides an elite level of competition for our athletes.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister The Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe said the return of the Australian Under 20 and Ivor Burge Championships to Mackay was warmly welcomed.
“Local fans of the game enjoyed the quality basketball last year’s championships brought to Mackay,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The hundreds of competitors and support crew arriving in Queensland’s Sugar Capital during April will deliver another welcome boost to the region’s visitor economy.
“We know sporting events like this support accommodation providers, hotels, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators, as well as local jobs for our Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.”
“Great facilities, first-class visitor experiences and our hard work in managing the pandemic’s health impacts make Queensland the place to be for exceptional sporting events.”
“From beautiful beaches and stunning hinterland areas to glorious islands just offshore, there is so much to see and do it’s well worth booking an extended stay to enjoy all that Mackay and the Whitsundays have to offer.”
All U20’s matches will be streamed live on KAYO and on the Basketball Australia YouTube page.
The event is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and Mackay Regional Council who are committed to hosting elite sporting events that provide pathways for Australian athletes.
The event will be held at McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium. Tickets will go onsale closer to the event.