Basketball NSW extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the incredible players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and parents who contributed to the success of our 2023 Under 12 John Davidson Country Jamboree in Griffith & Port Macquarie.
The Southern & Northern Jamborees brought together more than 370 talented athletes, 40 dedicated coaches, and 40 skilled referees at both the Griffith Regional Sports Complex & Port Macquarie Basketball Stadium during the September/October school holidays.
The selection process for the Under 12 players took place during the July School Holiday U12 Skills Days, offering country players a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills in a High-Performance environment.
The Jamboree was conceived with the vision of providing junior country basketballers with a captivating and holistic basketball experience that encompasses more than just a high level; competition. It encompasses various social activities, enriching coaching clinics, and engaging games. The main focus is not merely winning, but rather fostering participation and ensuring that all players derive joy from the game. The games follow specially crafted rules to ensure the involvement of every player and the development of coaches and referees in a supportive environment.
Basketball NSW, Jamboree Event Manager & Western Development Officer, Adam Marjoram was proud of the the two Jamborees for 2023 and said that he was happy to see the players, coaches and officials all have a great time learning lots of new skills while also making plenty of new lifelong friends in the process.
The growth and development of country basketball is a source of immense pride for Basketball NSW. The Jamboree serves as one of the initial touchpoints for these young country players as they embark on their High Performance Pathway,” said Marjoram
“It’s not only about the players’ individual growth, but also about nurturing coaches and referees through coach education clinics and on-court officials training facilitated by esteemed individuals in the game.”
“I personally want to express my gratitude to all the volunteers, parents, and stadium staff who have made these events possible. Thanks to them, the kids can leave with an enhanced basketball skillset and treasured memories of a fantastic time both on and off the court. It truly reflects the strength of country basketball.”
Highlights from the Southern Jamboree:
The three day event commenced with a moving Welcome to Country by Aunty Lynn, followed by a performance by the talented didgeridoo player, Allen Mckenzie, culminating with an impressive display of six traditional dances performed by the skilled members of the Marrambidya Dance Group.
This year’s event witnessed 100 boys and girls take the court, supported by 20 dedicated coaches, including five mentor coaches, and 20 referees with eight additional referee coaches.
Throughout the weekend, the courts buzzed with activity, including two high-performance training sessions led by NSW Country High Performance Coach Macsen Monk and a Coach Education Session on Shot Development by Adam Marjoram. This accumulated in 60 games being played.
Off-court activities included a Level 1 Technical Officials Course hosted by Maddie Thacker which engaged participants’ parents in the region. Additionally, Adam McIntyre held referees’ upskill sessions preceding and concluding every day of the tournament, ensuring that the referees of the Southern Jamboree remain equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge incorporating on court and video sessions.
BNSW would like to thank the following people for their amazing contribution during this event:
- The local organising committee of Griffith Basketball including President Archie Cullen
- Local Councillor and long serving NSW country basketball advocate, Lou Testoni
- Local and Western Referee Development Officer Blake Testoni
- Camp Mums Kellie- Ann Hassan and Kylie Coleman who volunteered to provide lunch and dinner for 270 participants
- Griffith Basketball Association volunteer parents.
- Lea Salvestro Court Supervisor.
- 7 Volunteer Regional Referee Coaches
- Ché Jenkins and his venue support team for providing a beautiful facility to host
- As well thank you to BNSW staff members who provide expert support for the event’s success in Isabel Forbes, Macsen Monk and Adam McIntyre.
- Eleisha Collins of EM Photography
As a result the John Davidson Southern Jamboree is a momentous regional event that continues to attract participants and supporters alike, further supporting the sport’s overall growth and development within Griffith.
Click HERE to visit the Southern Photo Gallery
Highlights from the Northern Jamboree:
On Friday, the highly anticipated BNSW John Davidson Northern Jamboree commenced with an impressive turnout of players & coaches ready for some rigorous training under the guidance of High Performance NSW Country coach, Macsen Monk, and NSW Coach Development Manager, Jarrod Moore. The palpable enthusiasm of both participants and coaches was evident as they eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to hone their skills and broaden their knowledge.
The opening ceremony of the event was equally awe-inspiring, commencing with a sublime “Welcome to country” by Uncle Bill. Basketball NSW, CEO Maria Nordstrom along with COE and Australian Opal, Isla Juffermans and Councillor Lisa Intemann, were all on hand during the opening ceremony and showed their support for the event. In addition, the opening ceremony paid homage to John Davidson and his family, after whom the event is named. His wife, Elizabeth, and extended family were among the esteemed guests, and were treated to a heart-warming recognition of John’s exceptional contribution to the sport.
The John Davidson Northern Jamboree held over the final weekend of the holidays was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of the Local Organising Committee consisting of Leeanne Palmer, Debbie Burqhardt, and Nicole Mcmahon. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to the event were instrumental in ensuring that 170 Under 12 athletes, 20 coaches, and 20 referees enjoyed a fantastic experience.
The entire three-day event was a stunning display of growth in the Northern region. The Basketball NSW team was in attendance, intricately supporting, upskilling, and developing in all areas, from technical officials, referee education, coach development, and player growth, creating a cohesive environment that facilitated growth on all fronts.
BNSW would like to thank the following people for their amazing contribution during this event:
- Port Macquarie Basketball and Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium Management for providing a top-notch facility
- Chef Karl Morris and his staff at Sideline Canteen for catering the event.
- The local organising committee in Leeanne Palmer, Debbie Burqhardt, and Nicole McMahon who were instrumental in ensuring that the event ran smoothly and provided an enriching experience for all involved.
- John Davidson for his lifelong contribution to NSW country Basketball
- Isla Juffermans who dedicated her time to speaking on the importance of events such as the Jamboree
- BNSW CEO Maria Nordstrom for her continued support of growth in regional NSW Basketball
- BNSW High performance Country Coach Macsen Monk
- BNSW Coach Development Manager Jarrod Moore
- Mentor Coaches Karen Irwin and Tim Mallon
- Court Supervisor Howard Marzan
- 6 Volunteer Referee Coaches
- Greg Stevenson for running a Technical Officials course
- John Davidson Northern Jamboree Referee Manager Terrin Illingworth
- Councillor for Port Macquarie Hastings Lisa Intemann for her support
- Photographer Andrew Lister.
Basketball NSW is immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the outstanding success of this year’s 2023 John Davidson Country Jamboree, as well as our U12 Skills Days.
Click HERE to vist the Northern Photo Gallery
To read more about Country Basketball and upcoming events, click HERE.
