Spirit of George basketball gala to honour league’s young player
A junior basketball weekend gala returns, celebrating the love for the game and paying tribute to one of its beloved young players.
Tasmania
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A junior basketball weekend gala is back for the second time, with love for the game and one of its beloved players at its heart.
Basketball United, a junior southern basketball association of 10 clubs, began the Spirit of George Gala last year in tribute to nine-year-old George McNees after a lifelong battle with cancer.
George was a member of the Under 10s team at the Grenadiers Basketball Club and was a well-known and much-loved part of the southern tournaments.
Basketball United coordinator and gala organiser Charlotte Collins said the idea of a fun basketball tournament without finals, named in honour of George was put to the McNees family last year, who jumped on the idea.
“Together, we actually came up with the Spirit of George Gala,” she said.
“They loved the idea of getting the kids involved with more games that aren’t necessarily competitive but just get them active and enjoying the game.
“Then we came up with the idea of having nominees, so one coach would nominate one child from each team that has displayed the tributes of sportsmanship and good behaviour – named the Spirit of George award.”
Nameless nominations are then sent to George’s parent Sarah and Darren and older sister Arabella, who then decide on the award recipient.
From 18 teams in its first year to 21 teams in 2025, children from six to nine years old will play games in different age groups at Warrane and Lauderdale Stadiums, before a bigger presentation and commemoration of George with the McNees family at a later date.
Competitions for the Spirit of George Gala weekend will begin on Saturday, August 9 at 8am in Warrane and Lauderdale Stadiums.
Originally published as Spirit of George basketball gala to honour league’s young player
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