Koorie Basketball Academy hosts successful clinic on Gunaikurnai Country

Joseph Guenzler Published June 17, 2024 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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Koorie Basketball Academy's latest clinic had more than 100 young people participate in an action packed day of basketball and community connections. (Image: supplied)

The Koorie Basketball Academy visited Gunaikurnai Country (Gippsland) on Sunday, running a successful basketball clinic attended by more than 100 Koori children.

The clinic featured two sessions: a "Deadly Little Dribblers" clinic for children aged 4-10 in the morning, followed by a second session catering for the 11-17 age group in the afternoon.

*Children participating in a clinic on Sunday. (Image: supplied)*

The day - which also included a lunchtime community barbecue - brought the community together in a fun and safe environment, showcasing the young participants' skills.

Koorie Basketball Academy CEO and head coach, Ricky Baldwin, said running clinics goes deeper than just playing basketball by connecting to the community and providing opportunities for children they may not otherwise have.

"Sports starts at grassroots level, so all kids deserve opportunities to play sport," Baldwin, a Gunai Kurnai man said.

"Our clinic today was far more than just a basketball clinic it was bringing the mob together in a fun and safe space.

"Seeing them happy & smiling is what the team at Koorie Academy are about, inclusion for all."

*A clinic participant receives a gift from Uncle Ricky Baldwin. (Image: supplied)*

Melbourne United NBL, a partner of the academy supported the event, providing prizes and a barbecue lunch for children and their families, organised by the local Bunnings.

"Thanks so much to you and all the Koorie academy for today, today was amazing this is exactly the sort of thing this community needs," one local parent said.