The inaugural National Indigenous Basketball Tournament culminated in a massive showcase of Indigenous talent over the weekend.
First Nations youth from around the country converged on the Gold Coast from Wednesday to shoot hoops and make friends, in an event run by Indigenous Basketball Australia, a community organisation founded by Patty Mills.
With details announced just earlier this month, the event sought "to provide the opportunity to Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths to go from the local to national stage and with the potential to go to the global stage."
The boys from Western Australia were victorious, while their female Queensland South counterparts ended up on top of the girls' table.
Awards were also given to individual players Mya Moke from Queensland South and Lachlan McGlade from Western Australia.
“I have always been, and always will be, driven by my ability to help create pathways for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people," said Mills.
Patty Mills started the program in collaboration with the NBA. Source: AP
"It brings together the passion I have for my people and my culture and turns it into real opportunity for young athletes all over the country who really want to ‘own their story.'"
Indigenous Pathways Manager at Basketball Queensland Michael Cedar said the intention of the program was to involve the eight regions administered by IBA to put the best young First Nations players on show.
"For these kids to come and play a national tournament, without the barrier of cost, is absolutely huge," he told NITV News.
"You can just see how much talent there is in this country.
Michael Carey says the competition has been full of lessons for the kids. Source: NITV News
"It's been brilliant, just ask the players, coaches volunteers and even spectators, its been a wonderful event that's included everyone, and put our young Indigenous kids on show here."
Mr Cedar said the lessons learned during the week went far beyond the sport itself, and that valuable life experience was on offer for the assembled kids.
"Being prepared to play all week, and be at your best... also teaches these kids to be a good teammate, person and friend."
Wiradjuri boy Lachie Nolan was one of the sprites showing his skill on and off the court during the week.
"It's amazing," he said.
"Everyone's connecting, it's good competition, but everyone's friends, so it's all good after games. Even if you lose, it's all good.
Lachie Nolan has enjoyed the competition and making friends. Source: NITV News
"I've made friends from every state while I've been here."
Nolan didn't skip a beat when asked about his team's performance over the week.
"We've lost every game," he replied cheerfully.
"But we've still got two left, so fingers crossed."
