By Sonia Isaacs
CALOUNDRA took centre court on Friday, January 16, as the Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball Tournament returned to the Caloundra Indoor Stadium, reinforcing its reputation as one of Australia’s premier wheelchair basketball events.
Regarded nationally since its inception in 2007, the annual tournament is 100 per cent volunteer led and delivered by the Suncoast Spinners club and attracts teams from across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting both the strength of the sport and the Sunshine Coast’s accessibility credentials.
Local women’s team the Rollettes were joined on court by Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton MP, who experienced wheelchair basketball first-hand ahead of the main tournament weekend.
“It’s incredible to showcase Caloundra on a national stage,” Ms Morton said. “This is a really cool sport. What happens here is a lot harder than it looks – it’s exciting, fast-moving and inspiring.”
The Friday event preceded a major tournament featuring 21 teams across three grades, with 152 players aged from 11 to over 60, supported by 15 referees and more than 25 volunteers.
Nine B-grade teams competed at beginner and social levels, with teams travelling from Rockhampton, the Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, South Burnett, Moreton Bay and two Sunshine Coast sides
Eight A-grade teams represented experienced club competition, including junior development squads from Queensland and Victoria.
The elite Premier Grade featured teams from Darwin, Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand.
Ms Morton said the event played a vital role in inspiring young people and those living with disability.
“These athletes show that you can achieve, compete and succeed at the highest level. They inspire all of us.”
