National Indigenous camp makes history

The inaugural National Indigenous Performance Camp (NIPC) brought together athletes from every state and territory for an immersive four-day experience at the AIS in Canberra. This unique live-in camp was led by some of Australia's most experienced basketball coaches and mentors, focusing not only on athletic performance but also on cultural connection, leadership, and personal growth.

The camp emphasised themes of belonging, pride, respect, and community, providing a holistic experience for the participants. Pauly Vandenbergh, Indigenous Lead at Basketball Australia, highlighted the success of the camp both on and off the court, noting the lifelong friendships and memories created. The camp aimed to inspire confidence and pride in the athletes, equipping them to return to their communities as leaders.

Athlete Jema Sebasio (QLD) praised the camp for the connections made and the elite training environment, expressing her hopes of continuing her basketball journey to a college scholarship in the US. Coach Kerry Williams emphasised the importance of providing such experiences for Indigenous athletes, noting the camp’s focus on personal development alongside athletic performance. The camp's uniforms, designed by Indigenous artist Kenita Bush, symbolised the different paths in life and the opportunities for growth.

This camp was made possible through the Australian Government legacy funding, supporting the development of Indigenous athletes across the country.

Courtesy: Basketball Australia