PATTY MILLS AND INDIGENOUS BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE DATES AND LOCATIONS OF THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY BASKETBALL LEAGUE
(5 Minute-Read)
Providing an opportunity to #OwnYourStory for Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths to advance from the grassroots level to the world stage
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (January 12, 2021):
ICBL is the first competition aimed at discovering, engaging, supporting and empowering Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths in a safe and positive environment. Beginning at a grassroots level, the programs 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. “To continue my efforts as a leader for my people and to follow my family’s legacy of providing legitimate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my sport of basketball is the true outcome of my personal success and accomplishments.” says Patty Mills. “What we will do with the IBA programs and competitions has never been done before and is the first-of-its-kind in this country’s sporting environment. It’s game changing and we’re creating history. He adds, “As a starting point, we will begin with the age group of under 14. The early adolescence years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development – our complementary programs
throughout the competitions of IBA will support these kids and their communities in embracing their culture and unlocking ones full potential in an environment that is safe and free from any discrimination. We want to give them the best possible chance to succeed. As we grow, we will expand to more regions and more age groups.”
Harnessing the spirit of the IBA’s commitment to pathway development, each player competing in the ICBL will automatically be in the running for selection to represent their region, and proudly sport their state colours at the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament on Queensland’s Gold Coast in
April 2021. Unique to this program are the ‘Inspirational and Motivational Sessions’ that will complement the weekly competitions. Role models and motivational speakers will share their personal stories of setting and achieving goals and will also be offering their support to the participants on their journey
to success. “As a proud Torres Strait Islander, I am incredibly supportive of Indigenous Basketball Australia and the real opportunity it would bring to my people – both on and off the court.” adds Nathan Jawai, Forward
and Centre of the Cairns Taipans. “The IBA model will see young players supported in a positive and safe environment to fulfil their dreams; equipping them with invaluable tools, skills and experience to flourish and succeed. I strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to sign up today to participate in the Indigenous Community Basketball League and the innovative IBA programs. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the talent of tomorrow emerge and sharing the same court as
them one day.”
Head of Basketball at the IBA former Illawarra/Wollongong guard Tyson Demos shared with the Cross Over Dribble who’s role is to facilitate the delivery of IBA basketball activities, competitions and events about the need for an indigenous basketball competition across the country.
“IBA has been established to overcome the many challenges and barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in the current Australian basketball systems and structures. Our goal is to create pathways and opportunities at the grassroots level and give them every opportunity to be successful – both on and off the court,” Demos shared with the Cross Over Dribble.
The South Australian branch of this venture will be featured at the Westside Basketball Association already deeply ingrained in growing indigenous basketball programs through the Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA), the initiative of the Woodville Warriors District Basketball Club that has been around since 2016. For regional coordinator Ally Wilson the current Adelaide Lightning WNBL and Eastern Mavericks NBL1 Central player, it makes perfect sense for Demos to have her bring it all together to support her community.
There is still a much large scope for the program to support youth outside the direct delivering of the basketball program as Demos explains. “Using the power of sport, the ICBL will be vital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities because it provides a one-of-a-kind program offering a safe and positive environment where the kids can really thrive. The unique inspiration and motivation sessions held by each of the Regional Coordinators will complement the sporting competitions and will offer the kids access to positive role models to help them along their journey. These sessions will help build their self-confidence, strengthen and promote their individual cultural identity and equip them with important life skills such as setting and owning goals, accountability and resilience. We can’t wait to get started.”
Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths who are under 14 years old in the 8 regions identified are encouraged to register for the ICBL by visiting the official IBA website where they will find the contact details of their Regional Coordinator.
To learn more about ICBL and how to get involved, please visit the IBA website: indigenousbasketballaustralia.com or follow IBA on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn using #OwnYourStory
Media Release shared as a courtesy of IBA with additonal content added by editor of Cross Over Dribble with permission of IBA and supporting organisations, please contact IBA for further inquiries
Article compiled by chief editor Tristan Prentice
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