Pakenham, Victoria (14 February 2022): Over 500 people attended a charity event on Sunday, 13 February 2022, which took place at Cardinia Life, Pakenham. The highlight of the day was a charity basketball match between the Pakenham Warriors BigV Senior Men and the Australian Goannas Deaf Basketball Team. The aim was to raise money and awareness for the Goannas and thanks to all involved, the event raised $7,000. The Pakenham community supported the event through ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and donated auction items, making it one of the most successful charity events held at the club.
Photo credit: Melissa Sudero Photography
“Yesterday’s event was exactly what the Pakenham Basketball community represents. Not only a love for basketball but coming together as a group of ordinary people, who can do extraordinary things when we work together,” said Tanya Roberts, President, Pakenham & District Basketball Association.
The large crowd was entertained by local DJ Luke Harrison, John Henry Primary School Choir and Aerobics Club, a demonstration and lesson in wheelchair basketball skills and Maddie McNamara singing the national anthem. MC Candy Hertz was instrumental in helping to make the day run smoothly, bringing to the event an infectious excitement that had the crowd pumping.
Brent Reid, Head Coach of the Goannas was thrilled with the turn out and said “This is our third match up against the Warriors and we now feel like they are part of the Goannas family.”