Shoot for cash at first basketball festival led by former Opal at Kioloa

Run, don’t walk to the South Coast’s first basketball festival set to tear up the new professional grade court at Kioloa over the October long weekend.

Kids and adults of all abilities are invited to up their basketball skills or try the sport for the first time. There’s also a chance to win $1000 at the half-court shootout at the end of each day!

The first ever Bawley Point and Kioloa Basketball Festival will be held from 9 am till midday on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October, with clinics, games and coach training at the upgraded outdoor basketball court on Murramarang Road, Kioloa.

The festival is led by former Australian Opal, WNBL lifetime member and University of Canberra Capitals General Manager Lucille Bailie, who will be among the team of coaches sharing their skills on the day.

Lucille said the community event was all about “supporting grassroots basketball and community fun”.

“The activities over the two days are varied so there’s something for everyone to participate in,” she said.

“The festival is about creating a safe, active and social environment for locals and visitors alike to try something new – or for more experienced players, to take their basketball skills to new levels.

“The most important part though, is the fun family atmosphere.

“It’s set to be an awesome weekend of sport and community collaboration,” Lucille added.

A NSW Government Stronger Countries, Stronger Communities funding grant has funded the event which will feature a skills clinic for kids of all ages and abilities, a coaching clinic for aspiring coaches (aged 12+) and a junior and intermediate 3×3 tournament for those wanting to test their game skills.

There will also be a walking basketball competition for seniors and adults who prefer a gentler form of activity.

Run by Basketball NSW and qualified coaches from the Milton-Ulladulla Basketball Association, the coaching clinic is for adults or parents wanting to up their coaching skills.

People of all abilities and ages are welcome to take part in the walking basketball fun and games, which has only one rule – no running!

Walking basketball was introduced as a means to provide an alternative program that allowed adults and seniors to play basketball as a form of gentle exercise. Not only does it allow participants to be physically active, but it increases social networks and community inclusion.

And, for loads of laughs, bring your own basketball and take part in the free dribble elimination games.

Lucille said there was “no downside” to the event.

“The benefits are endless – from skill development and fostering a love of sport and activity, to community engagement and bringing locals and visitors together through sport,” she said.

“Who knows, the next Lauren Jackson or Patty Mills could be at the festival!”

Shoalhaven City Council, Basketball NSW, the Kioloa, Bawley Point and Termeil Sport and Recreation Association and the NSW Government invite the local community to get active, support local business and celebrate the newly installed professional grade outdoor basketball court in Kioloa.

The original Bawley Point/Kioloa outdoor basketball court was upgraded to professional grade outdoor standards via a 2021 NSW Government Stronger Country, Stronger Communities grant.

The venue was officially opened with a local community celebration in April 2023.

The entry fee is $5 each for the clinics and $10 per team entry in the 3×3 tournament.

Those who purchase tickets for any event prior to the festival will receive a free basketball, $10 Murramarang Markets voucher and one entry into the $1000 half-court shootout.

The Murramarang Markets will be held on 1 October at the Kioloa community hall.

For more information or to register, check out the event website.