Corporate cup celebrates inclusion

GENU and Leisure Networks joined forces last month for the return of Geelong’s Wheelchair Basketball Corporate Cup.

Designed to foster inclusion and community connection, eight teams competed in the round-robin format, fighting it out for the title of the perpetual Kaye Colman Cup.

Try Boys Basketball Stadium came alive with genU clients and Leisure Networks customers who took on cheerleader roles for the day, encouraging their teams from the sidelines.

Hamlan Homes Globe Rollers rolled out with a star-studded team, while Harcourts North Geelong Hustlers took the unofficial crown for best headwear and enthusiasm.

Co-facilitators genU and Leisure Networks went head-to-head, with genU struggling against the other team.

The event was designed to foster inclusion and community connection.

While the on-court battle was fierce among all teams, Geelong United Basketball took out the top honours and was presented with the cup by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens.

genU chief strategy and transformation officer Claire Sime welcomed the on-court rivalry and congratulated those who took part in building community inclusion.

“Geelong can be proud of its commitment to fostering inclusion over many years and openly supporting people with disability to make them feel genuinely part of the community,” she said.

“Every connection counts and the new ones created today go a long way towards the inclusion we want to see in every corner of our communities.”

All teams were highly competitive throughout the match, battling it out for the Kaye Colman Cup.

Leisure Networks chief executive officer David Meade said the event showed how sport breaks down barriers, sparks connections and creates a space for everyone.

“Watching local businesses and people from all walks of life come together at the Wheelchair Corporate Cup was a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t just a goal, it’s a shared journey.”

Funds raised during the day will be split between the supporting programs and initiatives run by genU and Leisure Networks to support people with disability, and back local athlete Mitchell Bond.

Bond discovered a passion for wheelchair racing and basketball at a young age and has since become an international-level athlete, recently receiving a scholarship to attend the University of Texas in Arlington, USA.

People keen on participating in next year’s Wheelchair Basketball Corporate Cup can email [email protected] .