HUGE 8 DAYS OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ACTION WRAPS UP AT THE AIS

Athletes, coaches, classifiers and referees from all over Australia converged at the AIS in Canberra for eight days of wheelchair basketball development. The Pathways Camp schedules were action packed, with a key focus on education, collaboration, and networking across the different areas of the sport.

General Manager of Game Development, 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball, Leigh Gooding is proud of the impact the camps had on all participants.

“The Pathways Camps have been a benchmark moment for wheelchair basketball in this country and what was achieved over an eight-day program at the AIS,” said Gooding.

“The support from the State Associations and wheelchair basketball network has been amazing and to have close to 100 participants onsite for learning, accreditations, education, networking and competition, the result is something to be very proud of.”

The Frank Ponta Cup brought together 27 male athletes from around the country who wish to progress in the national pathway. Wheelchair basketball athlete, Jarrod Emeny was excited to further develop his skills.

“Frank Ponta cup was an amazing opportunity to develop the fundamentals of our game while also having the opportunity to put them into action in a collection of games with new players and teammates,” said Emeny.

“I have learnt a lot from this tournament and made some lifelong friends for sure.”

Photo cred: MVP Media

Participants of all camps had the opportunity to learn from external and internal presenters, with an expertise in their area in a classroom and practical environment, covering key topics across sport development and high performance.

“It was a fantastic experience for someone coming in with limited knowledge,” said Damian Duke (coach development, Frank Ponta Camp).

“Learning new terminology, how to deal with new players and creating a network of coaches across the country was made easy by the positive interactions with the camp athletes.”

Athlete, Annabelle Dennis attended the Women Pathways Camp, which was the first of its kind to help support women in wheelchair basketball progress through the national pathways.

“It brought together players of varying abilities and who all had an eagerness to learn and progress as a squad. I loved being surrounded by so many passionate athletes and coaches and am excited for the future of women’s wheelchair basketball in Australia.”

The wheelchair program would also like to take this opportunity to thank Janna Mizens (Coach Development Manager), Krittika Divadkar (Program Coordinator, Wheelchair & 3×3 Basketball) and Priyanka Karunakaran (Head of Operations, Wheelchair and 3×3 National Teams) for all their hard work.

Thanks also goes to Rohan Foy, from Canberra Wheelchair Basketball, for lending out their sport wheelchairs for athletes to use for the duration of the camp.

An incredible way to finish off the 2022 HP wheelchair basketball season. A big year of international competition, and development coming up in 2023!