BNSW PARTNERS WITH INDIGENOUS BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA
Signed MOU – BNSW and IBA
Sydney, AUSTRALIA (March 5, 2021): Basketball NSW (BNSW) and Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) are pleased to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see both organisations work collaboratively and explore opportunities for the development and participation of Indigenous Basketball across the state.
Founded by NBA Champion, three-time Olympian and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Patty Mills, the programs delivered by IBA are centred by the core principles of culture, education, health, safety and wellbeing. The community basketball competitions, national tournaments and development camps facilitated by IBA will allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to preserve cultural practices, strengthen and promote their individual identity while also leading a healthy lifestyle. Beginning at a grassroots level, the program will provide a platform for aspiring players to progress into basketball leagues in Australia and across the world, as well as Australian national basketball teams.
The three-year agreement sees IBA as an intrical community partner to BNSW, co-delivering numerous school holiday camps and 3×3 tournaments across NSW. The programs further include the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth pathway for youth leaders, coaches, referees and technical officials to support IBA’s initiatives and community outcomes in NSW and Australia.
To support the strategic vision and programs, Basketball NSW can further announce that Jacqui Dover is joining Basketball NSW as their Indigenous, Cultural & Linguistically Diverse Programs Manager. This is a full time role and Jacqui will commence with the BNSW team on Monday 8th March relocating from Queensland to Sydney, NSW.
Basketball New South Wales CEO, Maria Nordstrom said she is excited about the new partnership and hopes that it will provide further opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to participate in basketball and form long-lasting relationships with the sport.
“BNSW are proud to work in lockstep with IBA to provide better opportunities that will make a real impact to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths. We believe basketball as a sport, is the perfect platform to inspire and enrich the lives of all participants.” said Nordstrom. “With this landmark partnership, we can support Patty’s mission of creating pathway opportunities and potential funding grants that will benefit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth of Australia. I look forward to working hand in hand with Indigenous Basketball Australia on a number of unique and innovative programs.”
Nordstrom concludes, “Our goal is to continue to grow basketball at all levels and I strongly believe the signing of this MOU will allow for significantly more combined resources to deliver community basketball programs and competitions across the whole state in a supportive and inclusive environment.”
“Indigenous Basketball Australia was founded to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths supported, inspired and empowered in a positive and safe environment.” says Patty Mills. “Our innovative programs will equip young players with invaluable tools, skills and experience to achieve greatness via cultural celebration and sporting opportunity. Our partnership with Basketball NSW is immensely exciting; I look forward to our organisations working towards our shared goal of increasing participation in the sport and providing opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths that will make a genuine, positive change to their lives.”
In collaboration, BNSW will develop and implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with IBA within the first twelve months of the agreement.
For further information on IBA please visit the official website or follow IBA on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn using #OwnYourStory