A number of talented Victorians have been selected to participate at a range of development programs for wheelchair athletes, coaches and officials hosted by Basketball Australia through December.
The Frank Ponta Cup, Women Pathways Development Camp and Development Programs, aim to help produce the next generation of athletes, coaches, referees, and classifiers.
Frank Ponta Cup
The Frank Ponta Cup is an intensive four-day camp, followed by a two-day tournament. The program is designed to offer athletes the experience of an elite level training and competition.
Congratulations to the following Victorians who have been selected for the Frank Ponta Cup:
- Chithic Machar
- Jack Thomas
- Ethan Anderson
- Will Firth
- Mitchell Bond
The Frank Ponta Cup was introduced to acknowledge and celebrate Francis Ettore Ponta, who was a member of Australia’s first wheelchair team and has been credited for growing the sport.
Head Coach of the Rollers and U23 Spinners, Bradley Ness will provide an elite training environment and help athletes identify what it takes to represent their country on an international stage.
“We have so many exciting young athletes coming into camp which will no doubt create a great vibe to learn and play with. I am really looking forward to seeing so many athletes in one place ready to take up the challenge of improving as basketballers on and off the court – Roll On,” said Ness.
Women’s Pathway Development Camp
For the first time, there is going to be a women’s only wheelchair Pathway Development Camp that is designed to develop talent through a range of opportunities, including, coaching, training, mentorship, and support services during this camp.
Only 20 female athletes were chosen, with the consistent and talented Isabel Martin selected for Victoria.
Head Coach of the Australian Gliders, Craig Campbell looks forward to developing the future of the Gliders national team.
“Following the increase in number of women playing our game across Australia, the standalone Women Pathways Camp is another great opportunity for athletes to be inspired to play wheelchair basketball – however, wherever and whenever they choose without being judged,” said Campbell.
Coaches Development Programs
Congratulations to the following Victorian coaches who have been selected to attend the four-day development course:
- Jason Bryant
- Joshua Allison
- Damian Duke
- Warren Brown
- Lauren Robinson
- Samantha Muraca
- Leanne Del Toso
- Tina McKenzie
- Amanda Carter
- Andrea Henderson
The Coach Development Program will provide essential information in four days of learning to support the growth and development of wheelchair basketball coaches across Australia. It will be run in conjunction with the Frank Ponta Cup and Women Pathways Development Camp.
Referees and Classifiers
Referee Lead, Matthew Wells and Classification Lead, Don Perriman will be running education, training, and workshops alongside the Frank Ponta Cup and Women Pathways Camp.
Victoria has three classifiers attending to further their development in wheelchair basketball.
- Lisa Chaffey
- Carli Harris
- Emma Costanza
Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches and officials who have been selected in the national programs.
