There were some hard-fought but friendly encounters on the court at the state finals of the Echo Cup, held at the State Basketball Centre (Wantirna South) last Friday.
The Echo Cup is Basketball Victoria’s state-wide competition for specialist schools. The tournament is a round-robin competition specifically for secondary school basketball players with a physical or intellectual disability, giving schools a chance to compete against the best in the state and give their students elite sporting opportunities.
Proudly sponsored by Echo, a not-for-profit employment service provider that supports people with a disability and disadvantages in and around Melbourne, they have collaborated with Basketball Victoria for over 10 years to create an opportunity for students with a disability to get on the court and compete in a tournament setting.
There are eight Echo Cup tournaments held across Victoria throughout the year, which culminates in the grand final day at the State Basketball Centre.
Rivalries were re-ignited or created as both the boys' and girls' teams pushed each other and challenged the best of themselves in front of their fans, family and friends.
The grand final winners were:
Girls - Emmerson School
Boys - Officer Specialist School
Bev McNamara, Echo Operations Manager loves that both organisations have joined forces to create a safe space for the students to feel confident to be on the court, as well as enhance and develop their skills.
”We thought it was important to assist students transitioning from school into the community, sport plays a large part of that transition and Echo wanted to be a part of that and support the students through this basketball program and eventually into employment."
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said Echo’s involvement in Victorian basketball has been very successful and is pleased to see the Echo Cup back in full swing after two COVID interrupted years.
“Echo has been a fantastic partner and they recognise the role that sport can play in helping to improve the self-confidence of people with a disability.
“All participants are provided the support they need to go after their ambitions and goals, which makes Echo truly a caring organisation and a great partner for Basketball Victoria.” Honey said.
It is a complete team game at the Echo Cup with teachers getting in on the action and coaching their students to help them to succeed. ‘Juice’ from Marnebek School, loves being involved with the tournament, not only is he a teacher but he used to play semi-professional for the Dandenong Rangers.
”I believe there’s great sportspeople in all facets of life. I believe there's students that all deserve a go and all love playing sport, so this is a great competition to come down to play and get involved."
If you would like to know more about the Echo Cup or how you can get involved, head to our website:
