Darwin Basketball League Indigenous round postponed due to Covid restrictions, moved to August

THE Darwin Basketball League has postponed its NAIDOC round celebrations planned for this week with close contact sport restricted with the celebrations moved to August

Alex Weetra up against Ansett’s James Toohey in action from the 2020 Indigenous round match between Tracy Village Jets and Ansett. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Darwin Basketball League has postponed its NAIDOC round celebrations planned for this week with close contact sport restricted.

In 2020 the league celebrated the Indigenous round in November which was met with great support from the basketball community.

The Deadliest Medal was awarded to players from every game in every grade for players that most held up the values of the game during play.

The league originally planned to replicate those celebrations in senior grades over NAIDOC week though Covid restrictions meant contact sports could not be played until July 9.

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DBA executive officer Kerri Savidge said it was disappointing to miss out on the NAIDOC round but confirmed the Indigenous round would be played across all grades from August 9-14.

“It’s disappointing. It was an opportunity for us to build on what we did last year and make it another special round,” Savidge said.

“Fortunately we were already in a break in most grades over the school holidays and we did plan to play an Indigenous round for all grades later in the season.

“The round is so educational for everyone, particularly non-Territorians, but it’s also about what it leaves behind as in juniors taking on knowledge and respect. It’s much more than a token gesture.

“It was so special to see people from across the Darwin basketball community getting involved and making an impact.”

Ansett remain top of the Men’s League after 12 rounds with a tight 74-73 win over second placed team Palmerston Power their most recent success.

And Tracy Village remain undefeated in the Women’s League after 10 games.

They were set to face Uni Rebels in the round planned for this week.