Wildcats team up with the Y for World Basketball Day

Dr James Naismith, a physical education instructor with the Y developed the game of basketball 133 years ago to the day to keep his students active during the winter months.

The game was first played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.

On August 25 last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/324, proclaiming December 21 as World Basketball Day.

The intention of World Basketball Day is to encourage everyone around the world to play, watch, read, discuss or otherwise connect to basketball.

“We’re excited to team up with the Y to celebrate World Basketball Day on December 21,” Wildcats owner Mark Arena said.

“We’re thankful for the support of the Y and it was great to have them feature prominently during our last home game for 2024 against Illawarra Hawks on December 6.

“The Y’s Fan Zone has also been a popular addition to the Red Army’s game-day experience at RAC Arena.”

The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald added, “James Naismith created a game to keep his students both occupied and connected, something we constantly strive to do at the Y. Basketball creates a community and a safe space and similar to what we are trying to achieve at the Y WA, it’s an inclusive game for everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, sexuality or individuality.”

Forging a long-lasting partnership in 2023, Wildcats and the Y WA have created ‘the Y WA Fanzone’ at all home games at RAC Arena.

The new fan-engagement zone opens an hour before every home game and is a hive of activity with activations such as basketball hoops, art mural to paint, photo booths, face painting, height charts, player cut outs and physical testing challenges like jump tests.

The Y WA is a community not-for-profit organisation and has been in WA for over 100 years, comprising of youth services and programs including a vocational school, children’s services (early learning, OSHC, Family Day Care), recreation and community services and programs.