Wildcats team up with Y for World Basketball Day

Dr James Naismith, a physical education instructor with the Y developed the game of basketball 132 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, 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.

Three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is the Wildcats’ ambassador for World Basketball Day, spending time on the court at Bendat Basketball Centre with a group of youngsters from the Y.

Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said: “We’re excited to team up with the Y to celebrate World Basketball Day on December 21^st.

“Who better to have as the ambassador for the partnership than Bryce Cotton, who’s a fantastic role model in our community and epitomises where hard work and dedication can get you.

“We’re thankful for the support of the Y and it great to have them feature prominently during our last home game for 2023 against the Tasmania JackJumpers on December 15th.”

The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said, “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.