Proud manager sees teams win gold, silver

TEAM manager for the Australian Pearls basketball team for women with an intellectual impairment, Sally Duncan, recently travelled to Astana, Kazakhstan for the VIBF World Basketball Championships.

Two teams, Australia Green and Australia Gold competed in the competition.

Ms Duncan is understandably proud of the team she has managed for 26 years.

“The team performed magnificently,” she said.

“It is wonderful to watch each of them grow in confidence and ability and see the effort they put into their sport.

“Each one has to raise funds to travel and compete. It would be great if we could attract more sponsors.”

Travelling from Heathcote, Ms Duncan said the Kazakhstan event was one of the best she had attended, providing an amazing cultural experience.

“The people were hospitable and welcoming and the experience and food fantastic,” she said. “They really nailed it.”

The championships marked an historic moment in the global movement for inclusive sport.

“These championships were not only about competition, they are about gender equity, global development and a united push for re-inclusion on the Paralympic stage,” Ms Duncan said.

“Australia entered two teams of five players in the 3×3 competition, and one team of 11 players in the 5×5 competition.”

The 3×3 competition was played at Triathlon Park in Astana.

“The venue came alive with energy and excitement as the inaugural VIBF 3×3 Championships delivered a thrilling showcase of athleticism, skill and international spirit,” Ms Duncan said.

“Competing against Japan, France, Spain and Poland, the Australia Green and Gold teams had some terrific round matches.

“The gold medal match was an All-Australian affair, with Green dominating their compatriots from Australia Gold.

“The Green team’s sharp plays and relentless pressure resulted in a commanding 21-7 win, sealing the first-place finish.

“The first day of the VIBF 5×5 World Basketball Championships delivered a strong start to this important format of inclusive basketball.

“While 3×3 basketball is on its path toward Paralympic inclusion, the 5×5 format remains a critical and evolving platform offering athletes with an intellectual impairment a chance to compete under full FIBA rules, embracing the strategy, structure and stamina that define the traditional game.

“The Australian Pearls, known for their strong team culture and experience, secured the series with Spain.

“While the results show a clear win, both teams gained a meaningful from the tournament; experience, growth and pride in representing their countries.

“The Australian team worked hard across the tournament and showed why they are considered one of the world’s strongest women’s teams. Their teamwork, communication and preparation paid off. “Each athlete played their part on and off the court.”

Ms Duncan began playing basketball when she was 12 years old.

Twenty-seven years ago, she volunteered at Powerhouse, Albert Park and a year later became team manager.

In 2023 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, recognising her service to basketball and to people with a disability.