More than 400 students converged on Ray Owen Sporting Complex this week for the biggest basketball carnival of its kind in Australia.
Students from 15 education support schools (ESC) formed 30 teams for its ninth year of competition, organised by Kalamunda Senior High School officer Chris Saligari.
Schools from Northam to Duncraig, Cockburn and Armadale attended the Carnival and 33 medals were handed out to schools to present to their talented players.
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READ NOWKalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes presented Cannington Community ESC with the division 1-winning cup and Cyril Jackson Senior Campus ESC with cups for winning division 2 and 3.
“The work Chris Saligari puts into this event each year is commendable,” he said.
“The kids quite literally had a ball.”
Ms Saligari started the event when she saw how much students from the Kalamunda Senior High School ESC loved basketball.
“We held our first basketball carnival in 2010 with seven schools and 14 teams,” she said.
“The popularity of the carnival has now grown to 15 schools and 31 teams.
“It is an opportunity for students to play a regular basketball game, learn ball skills, team work and to shoot goals.
“Our principal Gayle Nelson has ensured basketball is in the school’s phys ed program as it is good for co-ordination and teamwork, plus the students love it.”
Perth Wildcats Jesse Wagstaff and Greg Hire mingled with students, giving them basketball advice – and receiving some advice from students.
The carnival was run entirely by Lesmurdie SHS students.
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