Monique Conti and the Melbourne Boomers will return to Gippsland in September.
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are bringing the best of the WNBL back to Gippsland this September for a four-day basketball bonanza, culminating in a blockbuster showdown against the Bendigo Spirit in Traralgon.
Rebounding from the success of the 2018 Triple Crown tournament played across Wellington, Baw Baw and Latrobe City shires, the Boomers will return to the region with another huge program in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA).
Boomers stars Monique Conti and Traralgon product Chelsea D’Angelo kicked off the 2019 calendar with two days of clinics and workshops alongside assistant coach Paul Flynn this week, engaging hundreds of local players and coaches in Maffra, Morwell, Churchill, Moe and Warragul.
September’s tour will include a host of school and club clinics in Baw Baw and Latrobe Valley, an action packed 3×3 basketball tournament in Sale complete with exhibition matches and workshops, coach the coach sessions, community visits and more.
Then on Sunday 15 September the rivalry reignites between the Boomers and the Spirit when they face off for a full-scale WNBL pre-season match at Traralgon Sports Stadium.
The event comes as part of a two-year agreement between LVA and the Boomers under the Victorian Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative.
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Boomers General Manager Christy Collier
“The Boomers are extremely excited to return to Gippsland with another massive program and continue the momentum created by the Triple Crown last year.”
“This time we’re focusing on more interactive opportunities with the Gippsland basketball community such as the 3×3 tournament with amateur clubs in Sale, a range of clinics, community visits, coaching workshops and more.”
“The Boomers have a strong connection with Gippsland, with local stars like Chelsea D’Angelo on our roster, and we’re keen to continue developing the region’s talent and participation in basketball through this program.”
Quotes attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority Director Andrew Waller
“Last year’s Triple Crown was an incredible event for Gippsland, inspiring and educating young basketballers – in particular girls and women – through an expansive offering of matches and community activities.”
“This year we’re looking to really capitalise on that groundwork by delivering more programs to more clubs and juniors right across the region over four days to increase engagement and participation in active recreation.”