A host of dignitaries were present as GSBA claimed the All-Abilities basketball grand final win.
Greater Shepparton Basketball Association’s Blues side claimed victory in the All-Abilities grand final in a dazzling day at Australia’s first Super Masters Basketball Tournament.
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Dignitaries including City of Greater Shepparton Mayour Shane Sali watched from the sidelines during the festivities at the Swamp on the weekend of May 16 in Shepparton.
The All-Abilities spectacle featured six teams with some 37 participants, as the Blue contingent from Shepparton eventually claimed the spoils over Echuca, with the mayor and his deputy presenting the trophies.
Following on from their victory on the floor, the mayor greeted the champions alongside Cr Anthony Brophy, as jubilant scenes ensued with the winning players lifting their respective medals aloft.
“The competition is going from strength to strength, opening basketball to all,” Sali said.
“Big shout-out to the many good people behind the scenes making it happen.
“It was all played in a great spirit, with great competitive moments as well, it was a great tournament for them all.”
Following on from a successful tournament, GSBA operations manager Tony Long spoke of his delight at the spirit in which the games were played.
“The idea for the All-Abilities tournament came about as we have run Masters tournaments before,” he said.
“Moving into that space, we thought it would be a great inclusion and that’s why it came together.
“It culminated in a great day for the participants with the mayor and deputy coming along, it was a very exciting space for them all.”
Greater Shepparton political figures Shane Sali and Anthony Brophy pose with players.
From 9am until 5pm, men and women aged over 35, 40, 50 and 60-plus demonstrated their talents in the corresponding Masters draw at what proved to be a wildly popular event at the Numurkah Rd venue.
In all, some 23 teams from as far afield as Melbourne, Wodonga and Kaarimba competed on the day – with an incredible 168 participants having descended on the Goulburn Valley to feature across the weekend.
In terms of the men’s over-40 draw, the Wildcats took the win in the showpiece, while the over-50 section spoils were claimed the Westies and the over-60 top prize was won by Glen Park.
In addition, Stormy Badgers won the over-35 women’s competition, as over-50 women’s draw was won by Love the Game.
Long reflected on the tireless efforts demonstrated by the teams who took part, with many sides having completed arduous journeys to participate in Shepparton.
“It was a great weekend for playing basketball and for Sheppparton – for people coming to visit and to see the area,” he said.
