LOCAL Indigenous artist Craig ‘Jack’ Anselmi has illustrated a turtle design, which now features on the training tops and playing shorts of the Shepparton Junior Gators.
Players are proud to be showcasing the Indigenous Turtle on their new 2022/23 uniforms.
“The Shepparton Basketball Association is all about unity and inclusion. We welcome all to join up and play the great game. We really are a multicultural association with players from many and varied cultural backgrounds and this is something we truly embrace, and over time we plan to showcase flags and icons from the cultures of our players,” said GSBA President Peter Sutherland.
Since Basketball made its way to Shepparton back in the 1970’s, Indigenous players have embraced the game. Well known identities include Leslie Bamblett, Ally Charles, Greg James, Dixie Patton, siblings Phillip, Robbie, and Jane Britten, and of course GV Giants star Eric Egan.
Player entries have doubled since 2021, pushing later game times onto juniors and seniors who are finishing at 10.30pm as places on courts proves tight.
The GSBA, in collaboration with Basketball Victoria, is working with Greater Shepparton City Council and Government bodies seeking to fast track more courts, in a bid to allow more people to play and attract premier Basketball games and tournaments to the region.
