Michaela Meade
Broadmeadows Basketball Association has been named 2021’s inclusive association of the year.
It’s the second time in three years the association has earned the award, which recognises its efforts in “providing a diverse community and looking for ways to break down barriers to participate in basketball”.
Broadmeadows Basketball Association community engagement officer Hannah Gentz said the association is “really proud” to win the award.
“We strive to provide basketball activities to as much of our community as possible and it is great to have the hard work acknowledged,” Gentz said.
“2020 was a tough year for all and we tried to find ways to connect with our community through various online programs and social media initiatives.
“Upon the opening of restrictions in early December, we tried to ensure that all programs returned smoothly (and safely) so that everyone could get back to that physical connection.”
Basketball Victorian said the association had worked with the Centre For Multicultural Youth, Banksia Gardens Community Centre, Youth Activating Youth and Hume council to provide clinics for disadvantaged youths.
“We are lucky to work with some incredible organisations and leaders in the community who help us put these programs together, such as Centre for Multicultural Youth, Banksia Gardens Community Centre, Inner Melbourne African Australian Partnership and Reclink,” she said.
“Their knowledge of disadvantaged youth and networks drive our success.”
Gentz said the staff and team members were excited about the award.
“Winning this award shows that we are heading in the right direction in terms of creating a welcoming environment for all to participate in basketball in the Hume city area.”
Gentz said being inclusive means a lot to the association.
“A lot of the community just want to be accepted and sport – team sports especially – are a huge part of what can bring a community together,” she said.
“Through our various community programs, we can see the difference it can make to a person, with the smile they have on their face whilst shooting a goal.
“We always want to do our best to ensure everybody has the opportunity to be involved in basketball in some capacity and that there are not any barriers to their participation.”
Basketball Victoria said the association is moving towards adding a Walking Basketball program this year.
