Since winning the 2009/2010 NBL Championship, the Perth Wildcat Players have been busy!!!
In the 6 months since we finished playing we have hit a record 133 school visits and 48 community engagements. We have also held 2 community camps, engaging over 300 up and coming young basketballers. The boys have clearly been putting all theirs effort into getting back to grass roots and the community that makes Perth one of the most enjoyable and entertaining places to play basketball.
As the season draws closer and we are more and more often seeing preseason games and ramped up trainings in the weekly schedule we have had to slow down on our community commitments to allow the players to focus on bringing home our 6th National Basketball League Championship.
I would like to take the time to thank, firstly, the abundance of schools, teachers and children that have welcomed us into their world over the last 6 months– we are better people here at the Wildcats for spending time with you. Secondly to the players out on the ground, sharing stories, skills and smiles with anyone that wants it. We have a group of players and coaches here at the Wildcats dedicated to the survival and revival of basketball in Australia, a group of players and coaches that have an unwavering commitment and dedication to being role models and leaders within our community.
Although we do not have as much spare time on our hands in the coming future with the pending season we will definitely be continuing on with the push we have made towards a community focus. If you would like a “Wildcat” to attend your event, school or promotion please email me (katie@wildcats.com.au). Schedule allowing we will make every endeavour to accommodate your request.
Over the remainder of September we will be visiting: The Salvation Army Youth Group (Floreat), Jungle Sports Kids, Byford PS, St John’s PS, Ellenbrook PS, North Beach PS, Cottesloe PS, Mt Pleasant PS, Rostrata PS and Scarborough PS. As well as having the CBC kids come down to attend training. We will be having our Members Day on Sunday 26th September which should also be a great day.
The team will be playing in The Friendship Games at the WA Basketball Centre over the 17th, 18th & 19th September against The Shanghai Sharks, The Beijing Ducks and the reformed Sydney Kings. Get down and support the boys (Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.com.au).
The team will then take off to Alice Springs and Darwin for the Official NBL Preseason tournament to finish off September.
As things heat up here, we are looking forward to seeing you all in red at “The Jungle” for our first home game on October 29th. The first Grand Final rematch against the Wollongong Hawks. If you are interested in becoming a permanent fixture at “The Jungle” please contact Nick Ristovic (nickr@wildcats.com.au) for membership enquiries.
