Patty Mills and Indigenous Basketball Australia Launch Indigenous Community Basketball League

Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) have announced the details of their inaugural basketball competition, the Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL).

Founded by Australian Boomers star and 2014 NBA champion Patty Mills, the ICBL aims to provide a pathway for participation and success for the next generation of Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths.

The competition will target under 14-year-olds and will run across eight locations in Australia, inclusive of the Torres Strait Islands with the first round scheduled to tip off on Sunday, February 7, 2021. The ICBL is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 28.

“To continue my efforts as a leader for my people and to follow my family’s legacy of providing legitimate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my sport of basketball is the true outcome of my personal success and accomplishments,” Mills said.

“What we will do with the IBA programs and competitions has never been done before and is the first-of-its-kind in this country’s sporting environment. It’s game changing and we’re creating history.

“As a starting point, we will begin with the age group of under 14. The early adolescence years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development - our complementary programs throughout the competitions of IBA will support these kids and their communities in embracing their culture and unlocking ones full potential in an environment that is safe and free from any discrimination.

“We want to give them the best possible chance to succeed. As we grow, we will expand to more regions and more age groups.”

Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths who are under 14 years old in the eight regions identified are encouraged to register for the ICBL by visiting the official IBA website where they will find the contact details of their Regional Coordinator.

Locations for the ICBL are Thursday Island, Cairns, Logan, Dubbo, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin and Perth.  

The core principles of the ICBL will be culture, education, health, safety and wellbeing.

The community basketball competitions, national tournaments and development camps facilitated by the IBA will allow young Indigenous people to preserve cultural practices, strengthen and promote their individual identity while also leading a healthy lifestyle.

Cairns Taipans star, and member of the NBL’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, Nate Jawai, is excited to see the ICBL develop and create new pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths.

“As a proud Torres Strait Islander, I am incredibly supportive of Indigenous Basketball Australia and the real opportunity it would bring to my people - both on and off the court,” Jawai said.

“The IBA model will see young players supported in a positive and safe environment to fulfil their dreams; equipping them with invaluable tools, skills and experience to flourish and succeed.

“I strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to sign up today to participate in the Indigenous Community Basketball League and the innovative IBA programs.

“Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the talent of tomorrow emerge and sharing the same court as them one day.”

Each player competing in the ICBL will automatically be in the running for selection to represent their region, and proudly sport their state colours at the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament on Queensland’s Gold Coast in April 2021.

Included in the ICBL will also be ‘Inspirational and Motivational Sessions’ that will complement the weekly competitions. Role models and motivational speakers will share their personal stories of setting and achieving goals and will also be offering their support to the participants on their journey to success.

To learn more about ICBL and how to get involved, please visit the IBA website: indigenousbasketballaustralia.com or follow IBA on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn using #OwnYourStory