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WITH the Women’s National Basketball League, season just around the corner, two Bendigo MPs are urging the community to get behind the Bendigo Spirit.
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters is hosting a fundraising lunch on August 19 in support of the Spirit’s upcoming 2016-2017 season.
Special guests will be Spirit star and two-time WNBL All-Star Kelsey Griffin and state Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, who is the team's number one ticket-holder.
“Whether it’s for players’ wages, coaching or travel, financially it can be a real struggle to find adequate funding in women’s sport," Ms Chesters said.
“This team is a real asset to our city and attending this fundraiser is an easy way for people to get behind the Bendigo Spirit."
The fundraiser at The Exchange comes about eight weeks before the Spirit's season opener against Adelaide Lightning on October 8.
They will enter the season with four new recruits, including imports Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, who is representing Team Canada at the Rio Olympics, and Blake Dietrick.
The Spirit have also added former Australian juniors Nadeen Payne and Ashleigh Karaitiana.
Ms Allan and her family have a strong association with Bendigo basketball, with her father Peter a stalwart of the Bendigio Basketball Association.
“Supporting regional Victoria’s only national sporting team is something I am very passionate about and I would like to encourage every Bendigonian to get on board and show your support for the Spirit,” said Ms Allan.
Ms Chesters said professional women’s sport took a big hit when the ABC decided they could no longer support the televising of the WNBL.
“For regional based teams like Bendigo Spirit, losing that national broadcast has had a financial impact," she said.
“Every dollar raised on the day will go directly to the Spirit so I really hope the Bendigo community can support this event."
The fundraiser at The Exchange, in the Bendigo Bank building, runs from 12.30-2pm on August 19.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://www.trybooking.com/MGXF