Regional athletes with their sights set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games can boost their International Basketball Federation (FIBA 3x3) ranking at this weekend's 3x3 Quest Qualifier events.
Running from Friday through to Sunday at The Strand, the events include come-and-try basketball, community activations and skills camp, 3x3 showcase games and the all-important PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3x3 Quest Qualifier, including Open Men's and Women's, Wheelchair, All-Inclusive and Junior divisions.
Townsville residents and visitors can sign up to be part of the action through competing in teams of three or by taking part in the skills camp for junior athletes. Keen participants can also try their hand at Saturday's skateboarding community skills camp and skateboarding competition.
The massive weekend of grassroots urban sports is presented in partnership with FIBA 3x3 event organisers MADE Concepts, supported by a three-year Economic Activation Partnership with Council worth $66,809.70.
Deputy Mayor and three-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic said the weekend offered something for everyone, with the PLAYGRND Showdown bringing the community together and the FIBA 3x3 Quest Qualifier providing athletes with the opportunity to compete on a recognised international pathway.
"Having a FIBA 3x3 Quest Qualifier in Townsville is a fantastic opportunity for our local athletes to test themselves against quality competition, compete for valuable international ranking points and experience what's possible right here in North Queensland, without having to travel interstate or overseas," Cr Batkovic said.
"With Brisbane 2032 just six years away, it's exciting to see opportunities like this being delivered in our region. I know firsthand that every sporting journey starts somewhere. Sometimes all it takes is one event, one coach or one opportunity to build the confidence that sets a young person on a completely different path.
"The PLAYGRND Showdown is also a great way to introduce more people to basketball. Whether you're picking up a ball for the first time or already competing, there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's about creating opportunities, bringing people together and inspiring the next generation to dream big."
Councillor Brodie Phillips said the free events were a great way for Townsville families to learn more about competitive 3x3 basketball.
"We know that playing sports is great for our young ones, as well as for the young-at-heart. Heading along to workshops like the ones being presented as part of PLAYGRND Showdown is a fantastic, free way to try your hand at a new skill, whether that's basketball or skateboarding," Cr Phillips said.
"I'd love to see our residents rally around this huge weekend of sport by heading along and giving the free workshops and activities a go. You never know, you just might unlock a hidden talent."
MADE Concepts director Ciara Tuttle said one of the things that made FIBA 3x3 so unique was its incredibly accessible pathway.
"Whether you're from a capital city or a regional community like Townsville, every sanctioned event gives athletes the opportunity to earn valuable FIBA ranking points and continue building towards representing their state, their country or even competing at the Olympic Games," Ms Tuttle said.
"As Queensland prepares for Brisbane 2032, creating opportunities like this in regional communities is critical. Young people shouldn't have to leave home just to access high-quality competition or see what's possible. We want them to experience an international-level event in their own backyard."
PLAYGRND Showdown Ambassador and former professional basketball player Deola D'brown said he understood first-hand how powerful basketball could be in changing a young person's future.
"Basketball gave me opportunities I could never have imagined growing up. It took me from playing on outdoor courts and in local communities to competing professionally around the world, representing clubs at the highest levels and building a career through the game," he said.
"That's why I'm passionate about FIBA 3x3. It's one of the few sports where young athletes can literally begin on a local outdoor court, compete in sanctioned events, earn international ranking points and work towards representing their country. It's a genuine pathway that rewards commitment, competition and consistency.
"Some of the athletes who have come through our events have gone on to wear their national colours, including players such as Jarrod Bairstow, Bride Hopoate and New Zealand representative Chevy, demonstrating the calibre of talent these competitions attract and develop."
