New Basketball Facilities Aim to Engage

Four new basketball facilities across the Darwin municipality will provide additional recreation spaces in our suburbs for families, youth and basketball lovers to enjoy.   Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was delighted to be launching the 4 new basketball facilities – in Malak, Coconut Grove, Lyons and Rapid Creek.    “Our community has asked for new sporting and recreation facilities in our suburbs and City of Darwin is delivering these – providing new playgrounds, tennis courts, exercise equipment and now these basketball courts.”   “These facilities are maintained by City of Darwin staff and are free for all the community to use.”   City of Darwin has joined forces with ‘No More’ family violence campaigner Charlie King to highlight the opportunities sport provides to engage with youth to discuss a range of issues that may be impacting them and their families.   “Sport is a great way to create connections and open the door to difficult discussions,” said Charlie.   “As a ‘No More’ campaigner for many years I have seen firsthand the positive impact engaging in sport and with like-minded people can have on someone going through a tough time.”   International 3x3 basketballer Deola D’Brown, from Mad Events and Promotions, has been organising 3X3 basketball games for Darwin youth for a number of years.   “Our basketball group is very active, they have been using the existing basketball courts on a regular basis for some time.”   “We are delighted that City of Darwin has invested in these new and upgraded facilities, I fully expect the interest in basketball to grow as a result as there are now more opportunities for kids to enjoy basketball.”   The new basketball courts include a full size court at Holtzerland Park, Malak, a 1/3 size court in Nation Crescent, Coconut Grove and ½ size courts in Garamak Park, Lyons and Crisp Street, Rapid Creek.   City of Darwin will be lighting the Civic Building on Harry Chan Avenue orange to show their support for the ‘No More’ campaign.   For more information go to: https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/3x3basketball