Greater Shepparton will once again host the 45th annual Greater Shepparton Basketball Association Junior Tournament this weekend.
Saturday 4 December will see an influx of junior athletes descend on Greater Shepparton as more than 180 teams arrive in the region with players aged between 12-18 years for the annual basketball event.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said the tournament would bring close to 3,000 visitors to the region.
“Major events like these are important drivers for our visitor economy and this event will be a big boost to local businesses across the accommodation, retail, hospitality and attractions sectors generating an economic impact of over $2 million”
“We are excited to welcome the many athletes and family members visiting the region this weekend for our annual basketball tournament. After a tough year of restricted travelling and sports this event will be the first grand outing for many and we hope the families have a wonderful time competing in our region and have the opportunity also to visit our many attractions such as the Children’s Gallery at the Shepparton Art Museum, the recently opened Museum of Vehicle Evolution, mini golf at the Emerald Bank precinct and the many boutique retail shops still opening their doors at Maude Street Mall,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Congratulations to the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association who have worked tirelessly to see this event through and have grown the event over the past 45 years into one of the largest junior basketball events in regional Victoria.”
The two day competition will be spread out across the region with teams playing at multiple stadiums with the Shepparton Sports Stadium the main hub and host of the finals.
Greater Shepparton Basketball Association President Peter Sutherland said the kids were eager to get back on the court and back in the game.
“The event will use 17 courts across the Greater Shepparton region, 60 umpires are rostered and ready to go together with a long list of volunteers and parents who are all eager to see the happiness and joy back on the courts,” Mr Sutherland said.
“Teams are travelling far and wide, all the way from Sale, Traralgon, Mildura, Warrnambool, Deniliquin, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Benalla, this tournament pretty much brings regional Victoria to our great region
“Local businesses are full of support for junior basketball. McDonalds and the Shepparton Club are our major sponsors in keeping this event alive and growing.”
