Bendigo to host 2010 national school championships

Basketball Australia can announce that Bendigo Basketball Association has won the right to host the 2010 and 2011 Australian Schools Championships.

The two year hosting rights deal will see up to 150 teams from across Australia descending on country Victoria for each annual event, providing a boost to the local economy as well as showcasing the sport of basketball at school level.

It is estimated that the event will stimulate the local Bendigo economy to the tune of more than half a million dollars in each year of operation.

Previous hosts of the event have included Ballarat (2001, 2002, 2003), Albury (2004, 2005), Geelong (2006, 2007) and Newcastle (2008, 2009).

The 2009 incarnation of the event will take place from December 7-11 while in 2010 the tournament will run between December 6 and 10.

The Australian Schools Championships have proven to be a breeding ground for talent over the years with many of the current Olympic stars all commencing their basketball careers representing their states at these Championships. 

WNBA and Olympic star Lauren Jackson is definitely one of those athletes who looks favorably back on her participation in these Championships.

The National Schools Basketball Tournament for Men and Women dates back to 1983. Teams such as Lake Ginninderra, John Paul College and Templestowe have been represented on numerous occasions and more than once taken home the trophy.

The Australian School Championships program also assists in the development of referees within the National Referees Development Program by providing opportunities for them to officiate daily at high standard games within an intense atmosphere.

Over the five days of the Championships, it is expected that thousands of spectators will sit and watch the Championships unfold with the grand final games generally left to standing room only.