The Warriors NAIDOC Basketball Tournament started in Canberra in 2017 as not only to create an awareness of NAIDOC week and promote reconciliation within the ACT and NSW Community but, to raise funds for our club so we can keep our fees low to increase player participation it also helps the club to cover the costs of fees for players who are experiencing financial hardship.
The Tournament is held over a weekend during NAIDOC week and attracts players and supporters from the ACT and NSW. Players participate in a range of events during the weekend including cultural activities (such as creating Indigenous artwork and being a part of a Welcome to Country), playing multiple games of basketball and a 3-point shooting competition and learning about the significance of NAIDOC week.
In 2023 we had close to 900 participants, 93 teams and predict the number will be higher this year. By running this Tournament, which we believe is the biggest local sporting event in the ACT NAIDOC calendar, we encourage the local community to attend the activities over the weekend and also consider it is also a great way for the Indigenous community to network with other Indigenous communities and come together for a shared celebration of NAIDOC week.