29th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
A shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community has brought Basketball Victoria and Salto Systems together in an expanded partnership that will help strengthen wheelchair basketball across Victoria, from emerging junior athletes through to the state's elite teams.
What began as support for Basketball Victoria's State Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team has evolved into a broader commitment to Victorian wheelchair basketball, with Salto Systems now supporting athletes across the pathway, including the Victoria Wonders and Victoria Marvels national league programs.
At its heart, the partnership is about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion and ensuring athletes of all abilities have the support they need to thrive both on and off the court.
As a global leader in smart access solutions, Salto Systems is recognised for its commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community impact. Those values align strongly with the role wheelchair basketball plays in building confidence creating connections and opening doors through sport.
Basketball Victoria Chief Operating Officer, Ben Pahl, said the partnership was a meaningful investment in the future of Victorian wheelchair basketball.
"We're incredibly grateful for Salto Systems' continued support of wheelchair basketball in Victoria. What started with support for our State Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team has grown into a partnership that now helps strengthen the entire pathway,” said Pahl.
"From young athletes beginning their representative wheelchair basketball journey through to our Victoria Wonders and Victoria Marvels competing on the national stage, this partnership helps create opportunities and experiences that make a real difference. It's a fantastic example of an organisation investing in people, community and the future of our sport."
The partnership also comes at an exciting time for Victorian wheelchair basketball, with the Victoria Wonders set to open their 2026 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) campaign this weekend following a remarkable inaugural season that included a finals appearance and multiple league honours. As the same time, excitement is building for the Victoria Marvels, who will make their National Wheelchair Basketball League debut in a few weeks' time; marking another important milestone for the Victorian wheelchair basketball pathway.
Together, the Wonders and Marvels provide Victorian athletes with a clear pathway from grassroots and representative basketball through to the highest levels of national competition. The NWBL and WNWBL, operated by Wheelchair Basketball Australia, serve as Australia's premier wheelchair basketball leagues and an important stepping stone towards national team selection with the Rollers and Gliders.
For Salto Systems, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to supporting inclusive communities and helping create environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate and excel.
Salto Systems General Manager - Oceania, Caine Hillier, said the organisation was proud to continue its involvement with Victorian wheelchair basketball.
"At Salto Systems, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to reach their potential and be part of a strong, connected community. Wheelchair basketball embodies so many of the values that are important to us – resilience, teamwork, determination, and inclusion,” Hillier said.
"After supporting Victoria's State Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team, we're excited to further our involvement and support the wider pathway, including the Victoria Wonders and Victoria Marvels. We're proud to partner with Basketball Victoria and the athletes, coaches and volunteers who continue to grow and strengthen wheelchair basketball across the state."
Salto Systems is a leading global access solutions provider, developing innovative facility access, identity management and electronic locking technology that creates seamless, reliable and secure experiences. Through its commitment to social responsibility, the organisation actively supports initiatives that strengthen communities, improve opportunities, and help create a more inclusive future.
Basketball Victoria looks forward to working alongside Salto Systems to continue growing opportunities for athletes across every level of the wheelchair basketball pathway.
See the Victoria Wonders live this weekend as they launch their 2026 WNWBL campaign, with Round 1 tipping off at 7pm on Friday night at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo before returning home to Keilor later in the weekend.
Follow the Wonders & Marvels throughout the season, with updates available on the Basketball Victoria website.
-ENDS-
For all Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
