Basketballers and netballers compete in the name of God and sport
Every year, teams from around the Australia Territory come together for a week of sport and fellowship at The Salvation Army Interstate Basketball and Netball Carnival.
The event has been running since 1971, and a different city plays host each year. This year’s carnival was held in Geelong (Vic.), where 37 teams competed.
Marj Rava, from the National Youth and Young Adults Team (Tas/SA/NT) and one of the carnival organisers, said the 2024 event was a great success.
“The event kicks off with an opening night where we all meet, have a meal and then join together for an ‘opening ceremony’,” she said.
“This can include games, worship and some type of message or sharing time. Then we move into games, which are played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
“Wednesday is a rest day, and finals are held on Saturday. Each day includes devotions, and teams play up to 12 games throughout the week. A presentation night is held on Saturday night, where awards are given out, we celebrate winning teams, and we say our goodbyes.”
This year’s carnival included Men’s A basketball, Men’s B basketball, Women’s A & B basketball, Under 18 Boys, Under 14 mixed and netball. Squads came from Western Australia, South Australia, NSW/ACT, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
“Our key aims are to bring people who love sport together to share in a week together, build community and use this opportunity to share with participants that they belong, are loved and have purpose,” Marj said.
Macquarie Fields Salvos Youth Pastor Rachel Gorringe took seven young people along to the carnival who were part of the NSW contingent.
Rachel said her group enjoyed a fun but “meaningful” week.
“It’s a great event. It uniquely combines sports with faith, offering a space where participants can enjoy both basketball and netball while also engaging in meaningful discipleship and faith development,” she said.
“Each evening, as we gathered for dinner and devotions, our group delved into thought-provoking discussions about faith and life. The week proved to be an exceptional opportunity for building strong relationships and having significant conversations about faith, all while enjoying some great sports action!”
An ‘All Officers’ team was selected at the end of the carnival and included Sherie Clarke, David Collinson, Sarah Walker, Darren Kingston, Ben, and Emma Johnson.
Results: Men’s A: SA def, NSW/ACT (86 - 60)..Men’s B: VIC def TAS (41 - 38). Women’s A: WA def SA (50-29). Women’s B: NSW/ACT def QLD (52 - 41). Netball: SA def TAS (28-14). Under 18 Boys: NSW/ACT def SA (61-57). Under 14 mixed: SA def NSW/ACT (38-32).
To view more photos from the carnival, click through the slideshow below:
Love this week!