Basketball NSW is proud to reveal three esteemed ambassadors who will spearhead the 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament, a spectacular event set to celebrate diversity and inclusivity on the court.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 28, through Friday, March 1, at the Alexandria Basketball Stadium, located at 53-57 Maddox St, Alexandria.
The three ambassadors chosen to represent the spirit of unity and acceptance are none other than former professional basketball player AJ Ogilvy, Australian Opal Anneli Maley, and NSW Wheelchair Athlete Matthew Caruana.
As part of the program, each ambassador will use their social media platforms and passion for inclusion to increase awareness and build momentum towards the 2024 tournament.
AJ Ogilvy
As a former professional basketball player with an illustrious career, AJ Ogilvy brings a wealth of experience and passion to the ambassadorial role. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity in the basketball community, Ogilvy’s involvement in the 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament is poised to inspire players from all walks of life.
“It is truly an honour to be involved with the pride in basketball tournament again. Seeing the joy and excitement that it brought to the community at the inaugural event last year was a highlight of the world pride celebrations. I know the tournament will be bigger this year and I can’t wait to see everyone on the court again.” remarked Ogilvy.
Anneli Maley
Australian Opal Anneli Maley, known for her exceptional skills on the court, is equally renowned for her advocacy off the court. As an ambassador for the tournament, Maley aims to champion the cause of equality in sports, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and celebrated.
“Sports should be a space where everyone feels included, regardless of their background. I am honoured to be part of an event that promotes unity and acceptance,” shared Maley.
Matthew Caruana
In a nod to diversity, Basketball NSW proudly introduces NSW Wheelchair Athlete Matthew Caruana as an ambassador, highlighting the importance of inclusivity across all abilities. Caruana, who is a suicide survivor, humanitarian, and national ambassador for Lifeline and a NSW representative wheelchair basketball, believes the tournament will serve as a platform to showcase the skills and determination of athletes in the wheelchair division.
“Ever since I began playing wheelchair basketball, I’ve been shown more than ever that everyone has a place ‘on court’. Regardless of one’s identity or ‘ability’, anyone who gives their best and brings their champion spirit shines out there! To celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 (IDPwD), I’m honoured to amplify the message of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through my ambassadorship with Pride in Basketball Australia and Basketball NSW. ” said Caruana.
The 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament is a celebration of diversity in basketball. The tournament will feature four exciting divisions – Men’s, Women’s, Non-Gendered, and Wheelchair – this tournament brings together teams and players from the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, showcasing their skills and fostering a sense of unity.
Basketball NSW invites basketball players from the community to be part of this unforgettable event. Whether you’re an experienced player, a social player, a technical official or just a fan of basketball, come and experience the spirit of sportsmanship and the joy of inclusion at the 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament.
All games will be scheduled to be played during the day, and we encourage all spectators to attend with FREE entry across the three-day tournament.
There are so many ways to be involved in the tournament, you can register a team or as a player or if you like to be a technical official or volunteer just visit www.prideinbasketball.com