Wildcats to play pre-season match in Bunbury

6/9/02
Bunbury will host the first official NBL pre season game to be played outside a major capital city with the help of a $7,500 grant from the State Government's Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.
The Perth Wildcats will play the Sydney Kings at the South-West Sports Centre on September 9.
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter said it was another milestone for the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.
"In January the State Government made possible the first NBL championship match ever played in a regional area," Mr Carpenter said.
"The Bunbury Basketball Association has been involved in planning the upcoming NBL event as a result of the experience they gained at the NBL match played earlier this year.
"This is what the country sport enrichment scheme is all about; taking top quality sporting events to regional WA and ensuring communities are left with vital event management experience and coaching opportunities."
Wildcats coach Alan Black and Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian and players from both teams will be involved in development clinics for junior basketballers, as well as visiting local primary schools in the area.
"Apart from the spectacle of an exciting NBL pre season game, this is an excellent opportunity for basketballers in the South-West to learn from some of the nation's elite players," Mr Carpenter said.
The Bunbury match will wind up three days of pre-season preparation for the Wildcats, with other games at Rockingham and Perry Lakes.
The State Government increased funding to the country sport enrichment scheme by $300,000 over four years to bring more elite sporting events to regional WA.
Minister's office: 9213 6800