Our pilot Discover Workshop got underway with the Australian Opals alumni.
With travel restrictions in play, we conducted our pilot workshop with the Opals Legends online for an interactive workshop.
We were joined by Australian Women's basketball royalty including Michelle Timms, Rachael Sporn, Laura Hodges, Allison Tranquilli, Jennifer Chessman, Tully Bevilaqua and Patricia Mickan.
So the experience in the room was outstanding as was their connection with community causes and understanding of the ability for athletes to inspire positive change.
Iain Roy introducing the Athletes For Hope Program
Rachael Sporn providing an athlete perspective on their obligation to give back to the community
We look forward to the next steps with these athletes and shaping a program for Basketball.
Michelle Timms was the first Australian female basketballer to play in Europe (Germany). She played 264 matches for Australia, played 285 WNBL matches and won five Championships – 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992. Timms represented Australia in four World Championships – 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and wore the green and gold in three Olympics Games – 1988, 1996, 2000.
Rachael Sporn OAM OLY, is an icon of Australian basketball. She learnt the game growing up in a small country town and went on to become a 5-time WNBL Champion, 2-time WNBL MVP, and three-time Olympian with two silver medals and a bronze medal.
Laura Hodges (Summerton) is a triple Olympic medallist, Australian professional basketball player, having played in Australia's Women's National Basketball League (WNBL for Adelaide Lightening), Europe, and the WNBA.
Tully Bevilaqua is an Australian professional women's basketball player. She formerly played for the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA and the Perth Lynx in Australia's WNBL. The 5'7" Bevilaqua's play style is energetic and disruptive, so much so that she is usually in the top 10 in steals.
Players such as Pat Mickan forged the Opals reputation as an international powerhouse in women’s basketball. For more than a decade, Mickan was a staple in the Australian Opals team, competing in the first of three World Championships in South Korea in 1979.
Jenny Chessman's record is outstanding. She played 167 games for the Opals; captain of the team 1980-1988; Competed in 2 Olympic Games – 1984 (5th), 1988 (4th); was Assistant Coach at 2 Olympic Games – 1996 (bronze), 2000 (silver); and Represented Australia in 4 World Championships – 1975, 1979, 1983, 1986.
