A youth-centred three-on-three basketball tournament saw huge success from basketball fans and competitors alike, sparking hopes of a basketball renaissance in Griffith.
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Aduny Takele, Amidu Issah and and Amanuel Takele, together known as Ballerz Down Under, began the tournament in an effort to address the lack of youth programs and community sport in Griffith.
The day kicked off with music and a barbecue, as teams and spectators arrived and got themselves set up at Jubilee Oval. Games were first to 26 points, with a brief break at 13 for players to rehydrate and prepare.
Teams were required to have five players, with three on the court and two reserves. The heat made this ideal, leaving players from becoming too hot in the sun.
Harry Laurent, a keen basketballer, said he was excited to see some new people come along to enjoy the sport and hoped for events like it to happen more often.
"It's a fantastic idea, I'd love to see it more often. Maybe every few months," he said.
"There's a few people I haven't seen before, it's good to see new faces."
The games had a brief stumble earlier in the week, going over-budget due to the overwhelming response and interest from players to attend and compete, but Mr Takele said that the community had helped out and they'd gotten on top of it quickly.
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"It's been really good. We got that sorted quickly, and it's great that it's turned out better than we expected."
The success has already prompted talks of making the tournament a more regular event.
With continual talks of addressing youth mental health and a lack of community amongst young people in regional NSW, it's hoped that the return of casual sport can go some way towards improving the wellbeing of young people.
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