In a significant collaboration aimed at fostering community engagement and nurturing young talent, Basketball NSW and Orange City Council have announced a partnership for the U16s & U18 Spalding Waratah State Cup for 2024 & 2026. This partnership, which will span two years, underscores a commitment to promoting basketball among youth in the region.
The State Cup event, which draws the best boys’ and girls’ regional teams from across NSW, is scheduled to be held 17-18 August at the Sir Neville Howse Indoor Stadium at Anzac Park, promising a showcase of top-tier junior basketball talent from across New South Wales.
Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom thanked Orange City Council for recognising their dedication to fostering grassroots sports in the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Orange City Council for the U16s and U18 Spalding Waratah State Cup. This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to fostering youth development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and celebrating the love of basketball within the community,” said Nordstrom.
“Through our collective efforts, we aim to maintain an environment that fosters inclusivity and warmth, honoring the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair competition. Basketball is a sport for all, and we take immense pride in the talent present in our junior leagues throughout the state.”
In response, Orange City Council emphasised their dedication to supporting local sports and youth initiatives, citing the partnership as a testament to their ongoing commitment to community enrichment.
Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation Committee chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh has welcomed the State Cup announcement which could bring up to one thousand people to Orange for the weekend.
“The Council continues to look for opportunities to host major sporting tournaments in Orange and I’m delighted to hear the State Cup will be played in Orange both this year and again in 2026,” Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said.
“Basketball is hugely popular in Orange and our rep teams have had great success in recent years. This this event will give our local youngsters the chance to see the best of regional teams up-close.
“Orange has a great track record when it comes to hospitality and we’re looking forward to putting out the welcome mat for teams and their families.”
BNSW expects to have about 32 teams participate during the weekend in Orange, with top teams coming together from both metro and country leagues to compete.
BNSW expects to have approximately 32 teams participate during the weekend in Orange, with top teams coming together from the various metro & country leagues to compete.
