On December 21st, we celebrated World Basketball Day with the Perth Wildcats and three-time MVP Bryce Cotton!
This important celebration stems from our unique connection with the game of basketball, which was developed by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor with the Y.
Dr. Naismith developed the game 132 years ago to keep his students active during the cold winter months. The game was first played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
On August 25, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/324, proclaiming December 21 as World Basketball Day. The day seeks to encourage everyone around the world to play, watch, read, discuss, or otherwise connect to basketball.
Bryce Cotton, the Wildcats’ ambassador for World Basketball Day spent time on court at Bendat Basketball Centre with a group of young people from the Y.
Bryce emphasised the importance of basketball in his life and how young people can benefit from the sport.
“It’s a great tool for character development, it gives kids an opportunity to have something to be focused on, and you learn a lot about yourself”.
“It can definitely change your life as far as what you learn about yourself, but also the friendships you’ll build along the way”.
Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said, “We’re excited to team up with the Y to celebrate World Basketball Day on December 21st”.
“Who better to have as the ambassador for the partnership than Bryce Cotton, who’s a fantastic role model in our community and epitomises where hard-work and dedication can get you.”
“We’re thankful for the support of the Y and it’s great to have them feature prominently during our last home game for 2023 against the Tasmania JackJumpers on December 15th.”
Y WA CEO, Dr Tim McDonald said, “James Naismith created a game to keep his students both occupied and connected, something we’re constantly striving to do at the Y. Basketball creates a community and a safe space and similar to what we’re trying to achieve at the Y WA, it’s an inclusive game for everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, sexuality, or individuality.”
Forging a long-lasting partnership with the Wildcats in 2023, we have also created ‘the Y WA Fanzone’ at all home games at RAC Arena. The new fan-engagement zone opens an hour before every home game and is a hive of activity with activations such as basketball hoops, art mural to paint, photo booths, face painting, height charts, player cut outs and physical testing challenges like jump tests.