Basketball NSW I AM A GIRL (IAAG) Leadership Scholarship Program was officially launched on Friday 30th of July. This new industry-led program is in partnership with the NSW Government and the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The IAAG Leadership Scholarship Program is offered free to selected female players, coaches, referees, statisticians, scoretable officials, team managers, and administrators and includes a 12-month holistic program designed to encourage and inspire women and girls right across NSW.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward welcomed all the scholarship holders and officially opened the IAAG Leadership Scholarship Program.
“The I AM A GIRL Scholarship program is proudly supported by the NSW Government and Basketball NSW as part of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup legacy program,” Mrs Ward said.
“We know hosting the World Cup will inspire a whole new generation of young girls to be involved in basketball and the NSW Government has invested in this $1 million to assist Basketball NSW to deliver these legacy programs.”
“Over the next 3 years, you will see programs to increase female participation in basketball, programs for indigenous and multicultural communities as well as better access to basketball in regional and remote areas of NSW.”
Following Minister Ward, Basketball NSW CEO Maria Nordstrom also congratulated the first intake of IAAG Leadership Scholarship Program holders.
“ I would like to thank the NSW Government and Minister Ward for the kind words and for the full support of this critical program for our sport”.
“ Basketball is focused on achieving gender equity across all facets of our sport and this program is one of the strategically focused programs on our journey to achieving this. The focus of this program is for these women and girls to find their passion in leadership and our sport.”
“ The sessions will also provide the participants with opportunities to network and meet women who have paved the way in all aspects of leadership, media, health and wellbeing and basketball”.
“ I would also like to thank our staff for the great work in translating the vision into a program and can’t wait to see the next sessions coming up over the next few months. I wish all the participants all the best on their journey’s and can only encourage them to embrace the opportunity and have fun with it. Nuggets of learnings happen when you step in and embrace the unknown and trust in the journey.”
The first intake of IAAG Scholarship holders gathered online to listen to a panel discussion involving some of basketball’s female sporting icons, who spoke on their own unique and individual experiences in basketball.
We’d like to thank our panellists’, Coach Liz Mills, Olympian Michele Timms, Coach Carrie Graf and Olympian Jenni Screen as well as our host for the evening Office of Sport Participation and Partnerships Manager Kerry Turner.
Following the one hour-long session, IAAG Leadership Program Scholarship holders were given the opportunity to provide feedback.
“ Fantastic first session – the IAAG organisers have set a high standard. We are fortunate to have access to these women who are the real deal”, said Jodie Kensington (Administrator / Committee Member / Director).
“I feel inspired and extremely motivated to achieve and keep pushing to reach my goals in basketball and in life,” added Jade Crook (Athlete).
“Truly inspiring and grateful to be part of this incredible program. Thank you!” Lola Mactavish (Player)
The next phase of the IAAG Leadership Scholarship Program will be invited to attend eight online education sessions across the next 12 months that will assist in their development within their chosen career path. These education sessions will be designed to fit criteria for each individual area as well as having access to guest speakers from a variety of topics and backgrounds to help build confidence and connections in our female basketball community.
The IAAG Program is supported by the New South Wales Government’s Strategic Focus on women and girls in sport through the ‘Her Sport Her Way’ program and basketball’s goal to move towards gender equality.
It is a part of the overall NSW Legacy Program Pillars, which includes:
→ Female Leadership Scholarship Program.
→ Education and participation programs delivered in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia and Savannah Pride.
→ Delivery of a basketball-specific ‘Daughters and Dads’ program.
→ Delivery of culturally specific ‘Daughters and Dads’ program delivered in partnership with Savannah Pride.
→ School holidays programs are delivered state-wide.
→ 3×3 Basketball Tournaments delivered state-wide.