Basketballers and netballers hit the court in the name of God and sport

deansimpson7
2 hours ago
5 min read

Kyle Walker (centre), of Wollongong Corps, reflects the excitement and competitive nature of the recent Salvation Army Interstate Basketball and Netball Carnival. (Right) Jonty Smith (SA/NT) slam dunks. All photos: Joshua Foster

BY DEAN SIMPSON

More than 300 people representing 33 teams from all over the Australia Territory participated in The Salvation Army’s Interstate Basketball and Netball Carnival in Wollongong earlier this month.

The Illawarra Basketball Stadium at Berkeley hosted this year’s event, held in a different location each year, from 6-11 July. Teams came from Salvation Army divisions including NSW/ACT, Queensland, South Australia/Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria.

The event included an ‘Opening Night’ gathering at Wollongong Corps, followed by four game days (Thursday was a rest day) and a ‘Presentation Night’.

Girls from the Tasmania and NSW2 teams in a huddle before their match at the carnival,

Carnival organiser Marj Rava, Youth and Young Adults Secretary (Tasmania), said it is always a “real blessing” to be part of the event each year.

“I love how the carnival brings people together – it doesn’t matter your age, your skill level, or where you’re from, the carnival shows all they belong, are loved and have purpose,” Marj said.

“I love the little stories of connections between individuals, or the moments of joy individuals experience as they play sport. I love the way people talk about how the carnival is an encouraging space for them. And I love seeing people share their faith in this space and see this be impactful in others.”

Lieutenant Sarah Walker, Youth and Young Adults Secretary (NSW/ACT), hosted the Opening Night event.

A highlight of the night, aside from the food and games, was a special guest appearance by former Illawarra Hawks NBL player Tim Coenraad.

In an interview with Wollongong Corps soldier Kyle Walker, Tim shared about his career and journey of faith, encouraging everyone to “make good choices” and “let our faith ground the decisions we make”.

Sarah also introduced a fun award for the week. She encouraged participants to recognise someone who was being “a good sport” at the carnival and to nominate them.

Later, at the Presentation Night, the ‘Goodest Sport’ was awarded to Ash Browning (NSW/ACT) for her constant support and help to everyone during the week.

“She always had a smile on her face and was a big encouragement to others on and off the court,” Marj said. “She received a hat that said ‘The Goodest Sport’ as her prize.”

A daily devotion was another important and inspiring aspect of the game days.

A handshake between Jed Dunkley (SA) and Serieux Rwagasore (Qld ) that reflects the camaraderie of the carnival.

“On each game day, we had a speaker lead a quick devotion on court,” Marj said. “This year’s speakers focused on the values of the carnival – You Belong, You Are Loved, You Have Purpose.

Three speakers shared their thoughts on these values – Sam Hateley (Adelaide Hills, SA), Major Nicole Snead (Hobart, TAS) and Ash Browning (Menai, NSW).

“I also interviewed Talia Johnson (Cairns, Qld) about what the carnival means to her and how she applies the carnival values in her life beyond the event,” Marj said. “We encouraged participants to know that we can help others know belonging, that they are loved and have purpose in everything we do.”

The competition included Men’s A, Men’s B, Women’s, Under 18’s Boys & Under 14’s mixed basketball and Netball A & B. Teams played 10 or 11 games and finals.

The carnival brought together players of all ages and abilities – (Top left) Victoria’s Justin Laya. (Top right) little MJ Gumuna gets a lift from James Smith. (Bottom left) Queensland player Lynell (Nellie) Wagim. (Bottom right) NSW/ACT player Jordyn Walker gives a teammate a high five.

Finals MVPs, Best & Fairest and All Star teams were also awarded during the Presentation Night.

For the first time, a ‘Coaches Award’ was introduced to recognise a coach for their positive attitude, support of their team, and overall character during the week. This went to Cherie Clarke (Marion Salvos, SA), who coached the SA netball team, which went on to win their grand final.

“To me, the national carnival is the opportunity to play the sport we love, but also do community together. Whether it be spending a week with some mates or your squad, or hanging out with different people from other states, it’s the chance to do relationship. It’s a real blessing to be a part of this.”

Results:

Men’s A: SA/NT def NSW/ACT (107 - 66)

Women’s BBall: SA/NT def NSW/ACT1 (46-36)

Men’s B: NSW/ACT2 def VIC (80-71)

Netball A: SA/NT def NSW/ACT2 (25-16)

Netball B: NSW1 def NSW3 (42-21)

Under 18 Boys: SA def NSW1 (59-46)

Under 14 Mixed: SA def NSW/ACT (83-25)

Quotes:

Jonty Smith (Westside, SA): “Carnival was an amazing experience again, playing against people from all around the country and sharing your faith with one another. It is truly a highlight for me each year.”

Daniel Smith (Westside, SA): “I have been doing these carnivals since I was a kid, and each year they get better and better. No other tournament has such a sense of faith and community. Truly an amazing experience.”

Ella Hobbs (Bellarine, Vic): “Carnival has always been a highlight of my year. I love the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones along the way. Cheering on other teams and getting to play the sport I love alongside some amazing people. Carnival has helped me grow and build friendships that are long-lasting. I’ve been coming for as long as I can remember, and every year keeps getting better!”

Adrian Kistan (Mission Department): “The carnival had a great atmosphere and was so encouraging to see the increasing numbers of young people from different cultures participating. Sport is such a global connector and loved seeing that demonstrated at our event.”

Ash Browning (Menai, NSW): “Carnival provides an encouraging space for everyone involved, whether you’re elite or just giving sport a crack. It does make you think. If it was Jesus playing netball or basketball in this competition, how would he go about it, and what could I do to be more like that?”

Dom Watson (Hobart, Tas): “Carnival was a really fun way to combine my love for sport and faith. Praying before a game and focusing on being a team was the focus … as well as trying to win!”

Ali Geno (Cairns, Qld): “The carnival 2025 journey began months before carnival when I was approached by some young people to go to Wollongong this year. I was inspired by their enthusiasm and persistence to make it happen. Fundraising tirelessly and seeking sponsors for nice new uniforms, training etc. showed me how keen they were for this … I needed to get on this!! I enjoyed watching the young people make so many new friendships and connections with others outside their usual community. My heart is warmed watching a group of mostly new basketball players improve and play like proper ‘Ballers’, so amazing, and I’m so proud. I am inspired by the love and camaraderie shown by all the teams, and I believe lives were changed in some way during this carnival, even if it was a young person finding a ‘squad’, some identity, some love and acceptance. It was worth the effort, and I thank God for all the squads before, during and now after carnival.”