Townsville ballers to take it to the streets
Date published: 16 April 2024
Townsville sports lovers of all ages can boost their International Basketball Association (FIBA) rankings ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics by hitting the streets as part of a series of all-inclusive FIBA 3x3 games and basketball skills camps.
The Get Active Outdoors: Take it to the Streets series is a partnership between Townsville City Council and MADE Concepts aiming to engage a community of sports enthusiasts in an action-packed week of activities from 16 – 23 April.
Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said the inclusive events would bring the community together at four locations across Townsville while providing opportunities to participate in sport and support sporting excellence.
“Grass-roots events like Take it to the Streets gets young people out and active and showcases our city’s talent and enviable lifestyle here,” Cr Thompson said.
“As a Council, we’re investing in our community and making sure people have the same opportunities that they would have in larger capital cities.”
Three-time basketball Olympic medallist, division 6 Councillor and Chairperson for Council’s Townsville 2032 Legacy Working Group, Suzy Batkovic said the event is about providing opportunities for emerging sporting superstars and showcasing Townsville’s credentials to host world-class sporting events.
“It’s no secret we love our sports here in Townsville and being home to the multi championship-winning Townsville FIRE and the Townsville Heat, we have some terrific athletes coming through the ranks,” Cr Batkovic said.
“Take it to the Streets offers a chance for athletes to boost their FIBA rankings but also gives the next generation of players the opportunity to develop further in several skills camps throughout the week.
“The Saturday and Sunday sessions will also showcase a wheelchair basketball exhibition by the talented Suncity Wheelers, so if you’re into basketball make sure you head on down.”
Event partner, MADE Concepts’ Director, Ciara Tuttle said MADE Concepts is a FIBA endorsed 3×3 event organiser with a database of over 30,000 athletes and 300 events across 5 continents.
“It’s terrific to bring a series of engaging events back to FIRE heartland and build on our contacts presence in the community so we can deliver high level elite and grassroot events with world class international talent,” Ciara said.
“We pride ourselves on hosting iconic events, providing an all-inclusive space for all abilities and ages ranging from under 10 years old to over 55 years, with many of our sports, engagements and diversion programs in our communities offering a pathway and upskilling opportunities to spark intrinsic motivation.
“With 3x3 becoming an official Olympic sport in the 2020 games, this fast-paced sport has become even more popular, and with Brisbane 2032 Olympics just 8 years away it gives the next generation of athletes something to aspire to.
“FIBA 3x3 is one of the only sports in the world where you can go from the streets to the Olympics, where Average Joes can become Pros.”
Get Active Outdoors: Take it to the Streets is coming to a basketball court near you:
- Tuesday 16 April 2024 3x3 FIBA Basketball
- Joe Kirwan Park Basketball Courts, Kirwan - 4 – 8pm
- Wednesday 17 April 2024 Skills & Fundamentals
- Joe Kirwan Park Basketball Courts, Kirwan- 4 – 6pm
- Thursday 18 April 3x3 2024 FIBA Basketball
- Rossiter Park, Aitkenvale - 4 – 8pm
- Friday 19 April 2024 Skills & Fundamentals
- Rossiter Park, Aitkenvale- 4pm – 6pm
- Saturday 20 April 2024 3x3 FIBA Basketball
- Corcoran Park, Hermit Park - 4 – 8pm
- Sunday 21 April 2024 Skills & Fundamentals
- Corcoran Park, Hermit Park - 4 – 6pm
- Monday 22 April 2024 3x3 FIBA Basketball
- Peggy Banfield Park, Bushland Beach- 4 – 8pm
- Tuesday 23 April 2024 Skills & Fundamentals
- Peggy Banfield Park, Bushland Beach - 4 – 6pm
