YOUNG basketball champions have battled it out in Bacchus Marsh at the Specialist Hoops All Abilities tournament.<\/p>\n
Teams converged on MARC Stadium on Saturday 29 June for a day of fun and competition.<\/p>\n
Event organiser Emily Attard said the atmosphere was “amazing” for everyone involved on and off the court.<\/p>\n
“There were a few nerves at the beginning of the tournament, but as the day progressed everyone was enthusiastic and excited,” she said.<\/p>\n
“It was wonderful to see people get behind each other.”<\/p>\n
More than 10 teams competed, with winners crowned across three divisions.<\/p>\n
Specialist Hoops Blue took out Division One, Sunbury All Abilities Basketball men’s team B won Division Two, and Specialist Hoops Purple took home the Division Three title.<\/p>\n
Ms Attard also thanked Bacchus Marsh businesses and community volunteers for their strong support on the day.<\/p>\n
“Everyone was so welcoming and receptive, and it was amazing to have the community behind us,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We had a lot of great business support and were able to bring in local referees on the day as well. It was very much an event with the backing of the community.”<\/p>\n
Specialist Hoops, a popular basketball program for people with disabilities, has been operating since 2017.<\/p>\n
Programs run regularly in Bacchus Marsh and Cobblebank with people of a variety of ages invited to compete.<\/p>\n
“No matter who you are, or whether or not you have a disability, everyone can play quality basketball,” Ms Attard said.<\/p>\n
The group also launched a wheelchair basketball program at Bacchus Marsh in June 2022.<\/p>\n
Ms Attard said the tournament was an opportunity to showcase basketball talent in people from all walks of life.<\/p>\n
“We want to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and meet new people,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Everyone deserves access to the same playing field. No one gets left behind.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
YOUNG basketball champions have battled it out in Bacchus Marsh at the Specialist Hoops All Abilities tournament. Teams converged on MARC Stadium on Saturday 29 June for a day of fun and competition. Event organiser Emily Attard said the atmosphere was “amazing” for everyone involved on and off the court. “There were a few nerves […]<\/p>\n