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| Let's shine basketball community |
To NSW basketball community,
I know that I have not met every single one of you, but of the many that I have I wanted to share my experience and thanks for embracing our little family into the fold.
Only 3 years ago we joined the basketball community more seriously with our eldest daughter (then 13) being selected to represent a country club on the Central Coast. From this moment on we have met some of the kindest, genuine and nicest people.
Being a new family we had a lot to learn about regulations, competitions, selection opportunities, new locations, team dynamics, and all around expectations of being a basketball family. We have been helped so much along the way with all of these things.
I have had the privilege of watching a ridiculous amount of basketball games over a number of locations and in matches at club level, school competitions, Country Tournaments, State Cup and State Championships. In addition to that attended a number of WNBL & NBL games and Waratah League matches too including finals weekend. I have spoken with players, family members, parents, coaches, managers, adminstrators, volunteers and fans of the game.
I have surmised that the basketball community is the best sporting community that NSW has to offer.
Our family has been sewn into the fabric of the basketball community and very quickly immersed ourselves amoungst this wonderful group of people. We consider it an honour to be considered part of this sport and whilst it doesn't get the support or the coverage that it deserves, I will continue to do what I can to raise the profile of basketball in this state and country.
So I ask you all the question? Are we all doing our part to support the sport at all levels?
I challenge everyone to talk about basketball with your friends, your colleagues when you're at the shops, when you're at the hairdressers, when you're talking with business people, on social media, at speaking engagements and on the telephone. Email your local paper and TV news to petition them to put more basketball stories in print and on the television.
Go to your local matches, support the sport by becoming a member of a an NBL & WNBL team nearby. If you have the means, consider sponsoring a club that has a junior representative side.
It's a GREAT community and over time I can't wait to meet more and more of you over the coming years. Thanks for everything so far and for yet another brilliant basketball season.
Hannah Pate
Basketball Tragic & Fanatic Supporter
