Tournament about so much more than sport
JORDAN GERRANS
THE hierarchy of the Phoenix Sports and Culture Club were given an opportunity to further their lives through hoops and now they are passing it on to the next generation.
Former and current professional basketballers Naomi Moke (nee Pedro), Nate Jawai, Kerry Williams and Deba George are involved with the club, who will next week boast four teams at the Inaugural Australian Indigenous Basketball National Tournament.
Naomi’s husband Andrew Moke, also a driver of the club, explained the origins of Phoenix SCC this week.
“We all grew up in Cairns on the streets and there was a teacher called Mr Pierce at Cairns West school, who saw that we had a lot of talent but we did not have the financial support needed,” Andrew said.
“He walked across the road to speak with us, he helped cover our costs to play the games, and from there Deba and Kerry went on to play with the Taipans.
“He got us off the street and playing at an association. We became lifelong friends and that put us all on the right track and set us up for life.”
With the majority of Phoenix members now around retirement age for hoops, and just Jawai and George kicking on, they have invested in youth. Phoenix SCC explains itself as being committed to improving the life outcomes of all Australians by promoting and encouraging cultural immersion and fostering social emotion wellbeing, job readiness, education and training opportunities through sports and recreation.
Basketball is just a small part of what they do, but the hoops program is expanding by the week.
Their women’s basketball program started four years ago with two teams and they now have 11, with 80 per cent of the athletes coming from an indigenous background.
They also have teams in local touch, AFL 9s, Oztag and netball competitions.
“Whatever sport you want to do, we will help you there, hopefully secure some funding to help and be a mentor to the kids,” Andrew said.
Australian Indigenous Basketball Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu says it is exciting to see so much local talent on show at the tournament.
“This event means a lot to the local community,” he said.