National Indigenous camp makes history

The inaugural National Indigenous Performance Camp (NIPC) concluded this week following four action packed days at the AIS in Canberra. 

The athletes representing every State and Territory were immersed in a live-in experience coached and mentored by some of the most experienced basketball talent in the country.

The themes of the camp were centred around belonging and belief, competing with pride, respect, being a leader and community. 

Indigenous Lead at Basketball Australia Pauly Vandenbergh was overwhelmed with the success of the camp on and off the court. 

“These athletes have been given an incredible opportunity and they have absolutely embraced it.  The friendships and memories they have forged here will be for life.  It’s important for us that we focus on what they do on court as much as off court, so we focused a lot of time working on our culture and leadership. These athletes will return to their communities full of confidence and pride having been part of something so special and I want to thank the coaches and mentors who have been incredible delivering such an elite experience. Special thanks go to Sammi Rioli who organised the camp and put her heart and soul into this, she has absolutely nailed it,” Vandenbergh said.

Athlete Jema Sebasio (QLD) was full of praise for the camp and hopes to continue her basketball journey to a college scholarship in the US.

“I’ve loved all the connections I have made here, competing in an elite camp has been really cool. Talking to one of the other girls I found out that our dads played together so that’s really special.  It’s been a great week I’m happy that I had the opportunity to come here.”

Coach Kerry Williams has been impressed with talent and the willingness to learn from the group.

“When I walked in there was such a sense of pride, the uniforms and the elite facility just set the tone for the week. It’s important for these athletes to have this experience, we don’t have a lot of Indigenous basketballers at the NBL/WNBL level for them watch so we want to create more opportunities through mentors and coaches. I was really impressed with how quickly they picked things up, there is definite elite talent here. The great part for me is that it’s not all about performance, it’s the person first, athlete second approach that is so motivating to be a part of,” said Williams.

The uniforms were designed by young, talented Indigenous artist Kenita Bush a proud Dalabon woman from the Northern Territory. The artwork tells the story of the different paths in life, choices that need to be made and taking chances that allow you to learn and grow.

This camp has been made possible through the Australian Government legacy funding.