Heartland Tournament Wheelchair Basketball Expressions of Interest

South East Melbourne Phoenix are calling on expressions of interest for wheelchair basketball teams to join the inaugural Heartland Tournament, set to be staged over the Melbourne Cup long weekend later this year.

The Phoenix supported tournament will be run by the Knox, Frankston and Kilsyth basketball associations and give domestic clubs across the South East the opportunity to play like their Heartland Heroes in a tournament style weekend.

The possible new addition to the event comes off the back of a successful ‘Rolling Phoenix’ wheelchair basketball holiday camp earlier this month, the first of its kind for the Phoenix community.

It’s hoped a healthy number of teams will express interest in order to get the wheelchair basketball tournament officially added to the event.

Team can express their interest to participate HERE.

Basketball Victoria Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jontee Brown says the wheelchair game is growing and needs events like this to continue flourishing.

“It’s an incredible step towards more opportunities for our Victorian wheelchair athletes to showcase their talents right here in the heart of Melbourne,” he said.

“With five Victorian athletes heading to this year’s Paralympic games, now is such an important time to help our aspiring younger athletes in Victoria to play and compete against the state’s best.

“This tournament is just the beginning of hopefully something bigger here in Victoria and I’m excited to be a part of the journey to help our athletes be involved with such a professional club like South East Melbourne.”

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer says inclusivity is a key pillar for the organisation.

“Possibly adding wheelchair basketball to the inaugural Heartland Tournament is something we, along with the Knox, Frankston and Kilsyth basketball associations are really proud of,” he said.

“Many of our biggest supporters are involved in wheelchair basketball and to give them the opportunity to play in the Heartland Tournament is pretty special.”

Phoenix Media (30/07/2021)