Basketball NSW proudly reflects on the recent success of the NAIDOC Basketball Gala Days, held in Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Armidale as part of NAIDOC Week 2024. The theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’ resonated throughout these events, celebrating the enduring strength and vibrancy of First Nations culture while fostering community spirit through the love of basketball.
NAIDOC Week, celebrated from July 7th to 14th, provided an opportunity to honor the rich traditions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This year’s theme underscored the importance of maintaining a strong connection to country, culture, and community.
Held during the July school holidays, these events provided a fun and inclusive environment for participants of all skill levels. From young first-timers to seasoned players, everyone was welcomed to join in the festivities and celebrate NAIDOC Week through basketball. Throughout the three events, there were over 500+ participants with Wagga Wagga meeting capacity three days before the event, which is a huge achievement for the local community.
The 3X3 Basketball Gala Days featured a variety of engaging activities, including skill sessions, 3×3 basketball games, shooting competitions, fun games with prizes, off-court activities, and a DJ playing music all day long. Food and refreshments were also available, ensuring a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
Basketball NSW extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of these events. From the volunteers and coaches to the local communities in Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Armidale your support and participation were instrumental in creating unforgettable celebrations. We also thank our sponsors and partners whose generosity helped make these Gala Days possible.
Wagga Wagga: Our partner Mawang Gaway. Major Sponsors, Callida Indigenous Consulting and Riverina Water. Sponsors Visual Dreaming, Brentwood Orthopaedic,Wagga Wagga First Aid and Training and Ballin on Sacred Land.
The following organisations who supported the event by assisting with specific roles on the day and also providing ongoing support throughout our community; Royal Australian Airforce, The Australian Army – Army Indigenous Development Program, Tyrone Johnson (ACLO), 54 Reasons, Southern Sports Academy, Wagga Wagga Council, Griffith AMS, Sureway, Cassie Nelson, the basketball associations who promoted the event and encouraged their players and parents/ coaches to come along and experience 3×3 and finally, the amazing basketball mums who volunteered and gave up their precious time to help out from setting up, a full day of duties and the pack up. We could not do this without each and every one of you.
Coffs Harbour: We would like to thank the Coffs Harbour Basketball Association and their amazing volunteers who assisted on the BBQ, administrating, coaching, refereeing and scoring. Woolworths Park Beach Plaza for their donations of free fruit, NSW Health, Star Tagz, Uncle Barry Hoskins for Welcoming everyone to Country, Jalay Jalay Dance Troupe for their impressive performance, Lisa Fahey Photography as well as Jacob Harkin for his hard work on the draw. It was a wonderful day at Sportz Central, where almost 200 participants enjoyed the day of 3×3 basketball and culture.
Armidale: We would like to thank Pathfinders Armidale and Armidale Basketball Association for working in partnership with Basketball NSW to host the NAIDOC Community Fun Day and Basketball “Come & Try” event in Armidale. Aunty Rosemary Curtis gave an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a very impressive didgeridoo performance by young Cooper Blair. It was a fantastic day at The Den Sporting Complex, where over 100 children and young people gathered to enjoy a variety of activities. Special thanks to Sharnae Smith Dance Group, Moxons Bakery, Jacksons Providores, Woolworths Armidale as well as Lauren Brahe for assisting on court. A huge thank you also goes to the Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club who cooked and served lunch for everyone. And the staff at Pathfinders for taking some great photos during the day too.
Finally, thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making our NAIDOC week events a huge success. And thank you to all the families and young people who joined with us to participate and celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024.
NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s events not only showcased the universal language of sport but also fostered community spirit and cultural pride.
We invite everyone to continue celebrating NAIDOC Week and to keep the fire burning in their hearts, loud and proud.
Join us next year for more vibrant celebrations and unforgettable basketball moments!