Coming together for a united experience

Surfcoast's Rebecca Lewis, Bellarine's Nick Stamatopoulos, GUB's Courtney Burke, Surfcoast's Matthew Hughes and GUB's Emily Todorov. (Monika Berry)

Geelong United Basketball, Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association, and Surfcoast Basketball Association will join forces for this years’ Koorr Koorr Ngitji

annual tournament.

The collaboration unites three passionate basketball communities under a shared mission: to grow the sport, strengthen development pathways, and deliver a more inclusive and connected experience for players, coaches, and families.

The aim is to redefine the basketball landscape throughout the Greater Geelong region, with teams Coming Together (Waddawurrung: Koorr Koorr Ngitji) in a

festival of basketball.

“This partnership is about more than basketball – it’s about building a stronger, more connected sporting community,” Geelong United Basketball chief executive Mark Neeld said.

“Together, we’re laying the foundation for long-term success and opportunity across the region.”

Over the course of the tournament weekend, teams will play a minimum of four games against other VJBL clubs, country associations and community teams from across the nation.

“We’re excited to be part of this year’s tournament,” Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association general manager Nick Stamatopoulos said.

“Kids love playing in tournaments, and being able to support one right in our own backyard just felt like the right thing to do. This is a step in the right direction for all three associations to work together in the best interests of basketball across the region.”

“The Surfcoast Basketball Association is proud to play a pivotal role in this new collaboration,” Surfcoast Basketball Association president Leon Sayers said.

“Our thriving and passionate community brings a unique energy to this alliance, and we look forward to uniting our collective strengths to create unparalleled opportunities for every player across the region.

“This partnership is a testament to the growth of our sport and a significant win for our entire community.”