With the Western Junior Basketball League now just around the corner, Griffith Basketball Association held a Gala Day at West End Sports Stadium, helping prepare junior athletes from across the Riverina for their upcoming seasons.
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West Wyalong, Leeton, Narrandera and Griffith's Demons all descended upon the sports centre for an epic weekend of basketball, helping kids get their feet back on the ground after three months away from the court.
"The beauty of this sort of thing is that teams from all over the region can start to rebuild," organiser Lou Testoni said.
"In that area we're happy, because we have a reason to be here and it gives us a presence in the country."
A total of 52 games were played during the weekend across a number of age divisions, with the Gala having to drop some games to cater for those in attendance.
An estimated 4,000 people came and went during both 12 hour sporting days, showing that MIA basketball spirit is well and truly alive ahead of this season.
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"While the kids are playing, they're not out roaming, that's what I love about it," Testoni said.
"I've been involved for so long and now seeing this new wave of people coming through, that are all keen to play basketball, it makes me extremely proud."
Basketball NSW high-performance coach Curtis Sardi and development officer Jarrod Moore were also present on Friday and Saturday, running courses to improve the potential of MIA talent.
These names have helped further the presence of Riverina basketball on the national stage, as Griffith continues to boast great athletes.
"They were just amazed at how you can play so many games under the environment we do and get through it all," Testoni explained.
"All day every day, the stands have been full, and it's been like that since half past seven this morning."
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