The Bulleen Boomers and Keysborough Cougars will meet at East Doncaster Secondary College Stadium where their Division One Men’s teams will compete in Round 3 of the 2022 Big V season while paying tribute to their former teammate and friend, Will Hoole, who passed away in March of 2018.
Bulleen's senior program representative Craig Davidson said the memorial round holds great significance for the Bulleen basketball community and all that knew Hoole.
“The Hoole family are synonymous with all that is Bulleen,” said Davidson. “Will was just a beautiful soul who lived for his basketball and his family."
“He chose another path on March 19, 2018, and both his family and the Club wanted to do something to honour Will, but also to raise awareness in the community.”
With support from the Keysborough Cougars and Big V, Will Hoole’s father Glenn and eldest brother Christopher drove the initiative of a dedicated round and trophy in the name of his son along with the support of Boomers and Keysborough management. On April 24, 2019, the Will Hoole Memorial Trophy was born.
“I’ve known the Hoole family for over 12 years or so, & for a fledgling Big V commissioner at the time, it was something that just needed to be done.”
The inaugural game drew a crowd close to 600 people and raised over $2500.00 in aid of Australia’s non-profit suicide prevention organisation ‘R U OK?’.
“COVID-19 robbed us of the second annual memorial round in 2020 but we made it happen in 2021 and it was just as special,” said Davidson. Last year the event raised over $2,100.00 in aid of R U OK?
Davidson and Bulleen Basketball are encouraging all to get involved in this tribute by donating to ‘R U OK?’ and attending the Round 3 match this Sunday afternoon, tip-off at 3:00pm, East Doncaster Secondary College Stadium (entry via Dryden Street)
“Whilst it was not through the same circumstances as Will’s death, I buried my first-born daughter and I understand, somewhat, the Hoole family’s grief. A parent is not supposed to bury a child - I empathise with them but admire them more.” Davidson said.
In hosting the third annual Will Hoole Memorial Trophy, Bulleen wish to remind everyone how important it is to ask those around you “R U OK?”
By starting a conversation, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not ok, you can follow conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are ok, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
For advice, support and conversation steps, please visit RUOK.org.au today.
