Lots to learn at basketball’s breakfast with the stars

THE community has the chance to hear from some of the biggest names in international women’s basketball.

Townsville Fire will celebrate the launch of the Commonwealth Games with a star- studded fundraising breakfast.

The event will give Townsville’s basketball community an exclusive chance to talk all things Commonwealth Games with some of Australia and the world’s most influential coaches.

The 2018 International Basketball Breakfast will be held on Thursday from 7- 9am at Michel’s Restaurant on Palmer St.

Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello will headline the presentations, and along with Olympian and Townsville Fire coach Claudia Brassard will form an all- star panel of speakers.

Townsville Fire general manager Richard Goodbody said that as well as the Australian heroes, some big names in international basketball were a welcome addition to the event.

England coach Jose Maria Buceta and Canada’s director of high performance Denise Dignard are also taking part.

“We’ve assembled a world- class speaking panel, who have been generous enough to share their time ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Goodbody said.

“I’m sure our audience will relish the chance to hear from the world’s best.”

Mr Goodbody said it was a great opportunity for people to hear about leadership building and high quality team development.

With Canada, England and Australia all vying for Commonwealth Games medal supremacy, Jose Maria Buceta, Denise Dignard and Sandy Brondello are set to provide the audience with a unique insight into their preparations ahead of the opening games in Townsville and on the Gold Coast. Claudia Brassard, who helped lead Australia to gold medal victory at the Under 17 Oceania Championships and who is a former captain of Team Canada, will also share her views ahead of the Games. Team England and Team Canada arrived in Townsville ahead of their local Commonwealth Games matches on Saturday, along with Team Mozambique. >> Tickets are $ 75 per person or a table of 10 can be purchased for $ 700, and includes a sit- down breakfast. Bookings are essential. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/TSVFireBreakfast

Picture: ALIX SWEENEY KNOWLEDGE: England coach Jose “Chemo” Buceta will feature at the Townsville Fire international basketball breakfast event for the teams of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on Thursday.