THE next generation of country Victorian basketball stars will converge on Bendigo for major tournaments over the next two years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bendigo Stadium will host the under-12 Future Stars Championships and the under-16/18 division three and four championships.
The under-12 Future Stars championships will be played on March 28-30, 2015 and April 2-4, 2016, while the under-16/18 division three and four championships will take place on March 14-15, 2015 and March 12-13, 2016.
Bendigo Stadium manager of sport Craig Green said approximately 70 teams and up to 2,500 people will flock to Bendigo for each event.
“Winning the under-12 event is a great result for the Bendigo Stadium and City of Greater Bendigo. With such large attendances at these events last year’s host Traralgon have estimated that the event injected approximately $2 million into their local economy,” Mr Green said.
“Hosting this event is important as it’s the first representative tournament for many young basketballers and the extended family usually comes to watch and support the players.
“The under-12’s is always an entertaining spectacle as you have that first glimpse of the future stars of the sport."
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Barry Lyons said the two tournaments are another sporting triumph for Bendigo.
"Bendigo's winning submission is a joint effort between the Bendigo Stadium, the Bendigo Basketball Association and the city's Major Events Unit which will see thousands of players, coaches, support and family members arrive in our city for the next two years," Cr Lyons said.
"It’s simply great for the sport of basketball and our local economy will reap the benefits.
"The Championships add to the long list of successes we have partnered in recently or that are up-coming, including the World Snooker Series, Australian School Futsal Championships, WNBL Pre-season tournament, Australian/England Netball Test Match and the Teachers Games."