Basketball NSW ran a series of five successful South Coast Summer Slam basketball camps in the school holidays, drawing in a huge total of 350 participants on the courts!
Taking place from the 7th of January until the 13th of January 2024, the Summer Slam series was held in Moruya, Shoalhaven, Narooma, Batemans Bay, and Merimbula in its inaugural year.
The camps were free, and brought together athletes between the ages of 10 to 19, with varying levels of basketball experience, to learn the basics of the game in a fun and inclusive environment. Coaches and instructors were on-hand to share their expertise, assist each athlete and instill some inspiration and passion for the game in the participants.
The camps were designed to engage participants in fundamental basketball skills, mini competitions, games, and some 3X3 action – which saw the cohort focus on teamwork and fun!
In addition to the major turnout of 350 participants, there were also 30 referees and officials in attendance from local associations, to simultaneously officiate and develop their skills.
Each camp was filled with a great mix of currently registered basketball players, newcomers to the sport, as well as plenty of holiday makers from metro locations. The Summer Slam was a great display of Community basketball, embracing a mix of Country and Metropolitan basketball, united in fun.
Isabel Forbes, BNSW’s Regional Development Officer for Riverina, headed the South Coast Summer Slam series from inception, and was extremely proud of the turn-out and the result.
“We had so many great moments during the Summer Slam series!” said Forbes.
“The camps were an awesome effort by all associations involved, parents offering to help with high numbers, and of course, our junior referees.
“Each camp was a fantastic representation of what Country basketball is all about, with the community coming together to pull off the huge day – ensuring everything ran smoothly, but most importantly, making sure every person in attendance had a great day.
“Morale was high at all 5 locations, new friendships were formed, and the love of basketball was definitely instilled or strengthened in all of our participants.”
The Summer Slam was proudly supported by the Office of Regional Youth, through funding.
The support from local associations was vital in the success of the camps, with many volunteers coming along to offer a hand both on-court with skills and drills, and behind the scenes on barbeque, canteen, and photography duties.
A huge thank you to Moruya Basketball, Shoalhaven Basketball Association, PCYC Far South Coast, Batemans Bay Basketball Association and Merimbula Basketball for all of their help and support in the organisation and delivery of the Summer Slam.
A special thank you to the two Ben’s from Moruya, Katherine Penrith for her great photos, Greg Davids and his team of referees, Amanda Volpatti and Christine Campbell for acting as court supervisors, Fola, Paul, Lynn, Cody and Lauren from Batemans Bay, Matt and Sally from Merimbula.
Thank you to all the participants, referees, officials, parents and volunteers, who contributed to the impeccable atmosphere!
Keep dribbling and shooting, and BNSW will be back in the South Coast for more basketball fun!
Head to BNSW's Facebook to check out some of the pictures from the Summer Slam and plenty more.
For more news on Basketball in New South Wales, visit their website here.
