THE Collie Walitj Noongar men’s basketball teams from Collie competed in a South West Basketball competition earlier this month.
The event was organised by Joyce Dimear as a “Return to Country Healing Gathering Event” with support of people past and present, and saw five teams from the South West competing in a junior and senior competition.
The senior team won their final against Bunbury, after the captain rallied up the team with a group huddle.
Team coach, Joy Ugle travelled to attend the games and support the teams.
“We are very proud of the Noongar boys and men,” she said.
Team supporter, Dianne Hart was full of praise for both teams who put in an immense amount of effort in to all their games.
“This is the first time our men won the carnival and it was good to see the juniors enjoy the event, we are very proud of them,” she said.
The boys left Collie at 7am last Saturday and travelled to Boddington where they competed in their first game.
PCYC Case Manager Tayt Oden took the teams down in the bus with support from the Collie PCYC, and said it was a privilege to help out on the day.
“I was very honoured to support part of the Collie Noongar community and was thrilled to see them develop an even greater sense of pride in themselves,” he said.
“It was great to see the Collie Noongar men get up and win.”
“Ultimately it was about creating partnerships in the community.”
The teams are busy preparing for a three day basketball carnival event which will be held in Perth in January.
Mr Oden said both teams were seeking sponsorship to be able to attend the event.
“If anyone is interested in sponsoring the teams to help with transport and accommodation costs,
please contact me at the PCYC,” he said.
