Basketball NSW is thrilled to announce the inaugural Annie La Fleur Challenge (ALC), a tournament dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions and legacy of basketball star Annie La Fleur. This exciting event will bring together aspiring Under 13 & Under 15 female participants and basketball enthusiasts from across the region to celebrate the sport and pay tribute to La Fleur’s inspiring journey.
The Annie La Fleur Challenge, named in recognition of La Fleur’s outstanding achievements both on and off the court, aims to embody the values she has exemplified throughout her career: dedication, sportsmanship, and a commitment to giving back. The tournament will provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and compete in a highly competitive and inclusive environment.
Basketball NSW will be showcasing the first u/13 challenge as part of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on the 1st of July as a two hour pilot program with Annie as Head Coach. This will include up to 40 young females invited from various BNSW trials to take part for the first time while on the international stage of the tournament.
La Fleur a renowned basketball player, is not only making waves on the court but also actively giving back to the sport that has shaped her life. With her exceptional skills and a heart filled with compassion, she is inspiring aspiring athletes while working to uplift the basketball community.
“I feel honoured to have the challenge named after me. I grew up playing basketball in Sydney so this feels very special”, added in former Opal, Annie La Fleur.
“Grassroots programs are essential to the development of our next generation of ballers but also an opportunity for young people to be active. Providing a safe, fun, inclusive space should also be a priority for these types of programs.”
“Who knows, we may have another Lauren Jackson or Patty Mills in the mix but we won’t know unless they come back. But if we don’t that’s ok, we will still have young people that love the game as much as we do!”
La Fleur’s playing career has been nothing short of extraordinary, her journey began at a young age, where her passion for the game ignited a desire for greatness.
Throughout her career, La Fleur has represented notable teams in domestic and international leagues, including the WNBA and various professional leagues in Europe. Her versatility as a player, coupled with her unwavering dedication, has earned her recognition as one of the most formidable athletes in the sport.
In addition to her success at the club level, La Fleur’s talent and contributions led her to represent the Australian Opals on multiple occasions winning a Bronze Medal at the 1998 FIBA women’s World Championships and most memorable a Silver medal in her home city of Sydney at the Olympics Games in 2000. Her appearances in international competitions, such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games, have showcased her skill and provided a platform to proudly represent her country.
While achieving personal triumphs on the court, La Fleur has always made it a priority to give back to the sport that has brought her so much joy. She has established basketball clinics and camps, sharing her expertise and experiences with aspiring players. La Fleur’s mentorship and dedication to youth development have positively influenced the next generation of basketball stars.
La Fleur’s advocacy extends beyond her playing career. She actively promotes equal opportunities in basketball, partnering with grassroots organisations to increase access to the sport in underserved areas. By providing resources, facilities, and coaching opportunities, La Fleur ensures that aspiring players from all backgrounds have the means to pursue their basketball dreams.
Recognised for her outstanding contributions, La Fleur received the prestigious Community Impact Award in Sports in 2023, acknowledging her dedication to uplifting others and fostering a positive and inclusive basketball culture.
Off the court, La Fleur is an advocate for social justice, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. Her efforts extend beyond basketball, as she engages with organisations that champion equality and diversity, leaving a lasting impact on and off the court.
Annie La Fleur exceptional talent, combined with her genuine desire to give back, sets her apart as an extraordinary athlete and role model.
Her achievements with various teams, representation of the Opals, and commitment to making a difference inspire athletes worldwide. As La Fleur continues to excel in the sport, her dedication to giving back serves as an inspiring example for all.
We are proud to have a tournament and opportunity to continue her legacy in NSW with the Annie La Fleur Challenge starting in 2023. Let the games begin, and let us celebrate the incredible legacy of Annie La Fleur, a true icon in the world of basketball!
How will Participants be selected?
Participants will be identified from their attendance at any of the following BNSW Development camps/trials:
– Talented Athlete Program (TAP) trials
– Country Development Program (CDP) Camps
– Metro Development Program (MDP) Camps
– Southern and Northern Jamboree
The selection of participants is based on athletes that have been identified as having the potential to develop, however, have been unsuccessful to date in being selected into a BNSW High Performance Program.
Updates and further information about the challenge will be released at a later date, keep up to date with all things basketball by following our social media channels to be sure not to miss a thing.
Click here to be directed to the webpage for more info.