Hundreds of police athletes from across Australia and New Zealand have descended on Port Macquarie for the 46th Australasian Police Basketball Association (APBA) Championships.
The five-day tournament kicked off on Monday, 12 October, bringing 385 competitors to Port Macquarie Basketball Stadium for Australia’s and New Zealand’s longest-running police sporting competition.
Hosted by the NSW Police Basketball Club, the championships will run until Friday, 16 October, featuring men’s and women’s competitions.
The tournament officially opened on Monday morning, with the first games getting underway following an opening ceremony.
NSW Police Basketball Club President Inspector Robert Bevern said the championships were about more than competition.
“For more than four decades, these championships have showcased the competitive spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship of police officers from across Australia and New Zealand,” Inspector Bevern said.
“Hosting the event in Port Macquarie is a fantastic opportunity to welcome our interstate and New Zealand colleagues, while also highlighting the strong support these championships receive from local communities.”
The event is also providing opportunities for local junior basketball players to learn from experienced athletes.
A Girls in Basketball clinic will be held on Wednesday, 14 October, giving young female players from Port Macquarie schools and basketball clubs the chance to receive coaching from participating athletes, including former Olympians and elite-level players.
Former Olympian and Victoria Police representative Rachel Jarry is among those attending the championships.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run was also scheduled to take part in Monday’s opening ceremony.
Investigations and Counter Terrorism Deputy Commissioner David Hudson, chair of the NSW Police Council of Sport, said the event highlighted the importance of sport in supporting police wellbeing.
“Policing can be a demanding job, and events like these provide an important opportunity for officers to maintain their wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen connections with colleagues from across different jurisdictions,” Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
“These championships demonstrate the positive role sport can play in bringing people together, fostering teamwork and supporting the health and wellbeing of our police workforce.”
The championships will wrap up on Friday, 16 October, with the Division One and Division Two men’s and women’s grand finals.
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