The Basketball NSW Hall of Fame dinner, held on Saturday, November 25th, at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, was a resounding success, as the basketball community came together to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2023. The renowned Megan Hustwaite was once again the Master of Ceremonies and brought to life the amazing stories from all our inductees.
The inductees into the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 – Bob Turner, Matthew Townsend, Robyn Maher AM OLY, Brendan Dowler OAM PLY, and Glen Saville OLY – were warmly welcomed into the prestigious group of basketball superstars.
Liesl Tesch AM PLY, recognised as the eighth Legend and Hall of Famer, was also celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the sport.
The event was a star-studded affair, attended by basketball lovers, players, coaches, administrators and officials, all gathered to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals. The evening featured heartfelt speeches, nostalgic highlights of the inductees’ careers, and a sense of camaraderie that resonated throughout the venue.
Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom expressed her pride and appreciation for the inductees, highlighting the significance of the Hall of Fame in recognising those who have made lasting contributions to the sport in New South Wales.
“The Basketball NSW Hall of Fame is a testament to the passion, dedication, and talent that have shaped our basketball community,” said Nordstrom.
“The Class of 2023, along with Liesl Tesch as our newest Legend, represents the epitome of excellence in the sport. Their impact has been profound, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements and contributions.”
“It also was fantastic to see the support from so many members of our basketball family join us for the evening of celebrations including past Hall of Fame Inductees, Board Members, Life Members, Association Delegates, BNSW Partners, Illawarra Hawks and Rollerhawks among many others.”
Bob Turner, known for his coaching prowess, Matthew Townsend, a respected referee, and players Robyn Maher AM OLY, Brendan Dowler OAM PLY, and Glen Saville OLY each left an indelible mark on the sport, contributing to its growth and success in New South Wales.
The evening concluded with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for the future of basketball in the region. The Hall of Fame dinner not only celebrates the achievements of the inductees but also serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of basketball players, administrators, coaches, and officials.
A special thanks to V Insurance & iAthletic for their generous sponsoring of the event and entire weekend including the State Conference.
BNSW extends its gratitude to everyone who attended the induction ceremony, making it a memorable and successful event and looks forward to continuing the tradition of honouring basketball excellence in the years to come.
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