Basketballer aims to bounce to Berlin

A BASKETBALLER is set to hit the hoop in Germany next year to represent Australia in the Special Olympics World Games.

Following her trip to Tasmania to take part in the national games, Tameka Strickland will set off for Europe in June alongside 64 other athletes.

Strickland said she’s “very excited” to be able to play her favourite game overseas.

“I saw some of my mates that I’d played with in Tassie were going so I was wondering whether I’d get the email too and I was like what?” she said.

“I think I went pretty good in the Tasmania games. I got the bronze medal so I’m looking forward to the experience of this trip. I’ve never been overseas ever.

“It’ll be very different because it’s the world games, and you’re representing your whole country. Before I was representing either Ballarat or Victoria.

“It’s a huge step up.”

Strickland will play as part of a team of eight which includes three people she played with in Tasmania.

Listed as a C grade player, Strickland, who has an intellectual disability, has been playing basketball since she was 12 years old.

Strickland is looking to raise around $10,000 in order to make the trip with her mother Nicole, via the GoFundMe and the Special Olympics donation pages.

Other fundraising events include a trivia night in March organised by Special Olympics Victoria.

Strickland’s mother, Nicole, said she’s “blown away” at the opportunity her daughter’s been given.

“I didn’t think the world games would happen at all,” she said. “It opens up so much for her. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We’re pretty hopeful we’ll get the money together but after Tasmania it’s like here we go again. We’re pushing it and looking for sponsors and donations. We’ll get her there.”