Local basketball fans will be in for a treat as Australia’s number one dunker Brodie Stephens comes to Bundaberg as part of the PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3×3 Basketball Quest Tour.
Supported by Bundaberg Regional Council, Fulfilling Dreams and MADE Concepts, the PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3×3 Basketball Quest Tour will be held in the Bundaberg Region over three days in August.
Organiser Deola D’brown said Fulfilling Dreams was excited to return after the success of the inaugural tour to Bundaberg last year.
Deola said the PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3×3 Basketball Quest Tour coming to Bundaberg would give locals an opportunity for them to transform from the ‘average Joe to become a pro’.
“This year we look to have a bigger participation and qualify a few teams to an all-expense paid trip to Brisbane for the PLAYGRND Showdown final,” he said.
“The highlight for us each year is having the wheelchair competition showcase some amazing talents.
“Last year we had the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast wheelchair teams compete in Bundy and at the final event in Brisbane where the Fraser Coast team won the wheelchair category final in Brisbane.
“This year we look (to) have them represented locally and in Brisbane again, it’s open for anyone to participate as our ethos is to make sports participation as affordable and accessible as possible to anyone.”
Deola thanked Council for its support which helped to make the upcoming event possible.
“Bundaberg is a beautiful area, and we are looking forward to returning,” he said.
“Thanks to the support we’ve received from the community, Bundaberg Basketball Inc and the Council – we’re super elated.
“A lot of effort has gone into this concept and to have Council back us, and the community support, will make this an elaborate event.
“We’re very grateful for Council’s support.”
Deola said there would be a surprise community pop-up activation, skills camp and basketball fans would even have the chance to see the country’s best dunker in action.
“This tour will deliver some great basketball, including Australia’s best dunker Brodie Stephens,” he said.
“Another really good thing about this project is that anyone wanting to be involved can take part as it’s so affordable.”
Council’ s Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said the event would be a slam dunk for local basketball fans.
“We’re thrilled to help bring this three-day tour to Bundaberg,” Cr McEneany said.
“Council’s Partnership and Sponsorship Grant funding has provided $16,311 in support for the Fulfilling Dreams, Playground Showdown FIBA 3×3 Basketball Pro Tour.
“It will be fantastic to see another pro basketball experience here in the region after the Brisbane Bullets took on the Cairns Taipans in a pre-season NBL game was a supported by Council last year.
“Events such as these are not just about showcasing talent on the court but also about giving back to our community, especially to our youth who are our future.
“These grants aim to build strong partnerships with local groups and also attract programs for families to the Bundaberg Region.”
Cr McEneany said Council had been able to provide significant funding across grants including Community Grants, Micro Grants, Partnerships and Sponsorships Grants and Special Events Grants.
“With assistance from Council’s grant program local organisation have helped make a positive contribution to the community of the Bundaberg Region,” she said.
Fulfilling Dreams, PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3×3 Quest Tour will be returning to Bundaberg from 10 August at 2 Fred Courtice Ave, Bargara.
For more information or to register click here.
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