Frankston Blues Basketball Club U18 Girls Teams are embarking on a 21 day basketball tour of the East Coast of America departing on 29 December 2013.

I caught up with a committee member, tour manager and player who were being interviewed on the RPP FM Saturday morning sports programs when the presenters did an Outside Broadcast at Bossports in Mornington recently.

Tim Bower, Chairperson of the USA Fundraising Committee, stepped up to help raise funds said, “It’s a great opportunity for the athletes to experience a once in a life time opportunity in touring American playing basketball, it really is a dream come true” The fundraising committee consists of 6 people who work tirelessly together with the athletes and their families on various fundraising activities to assist with reducing tour costs. The committee is very dedicated and committed in achieving our goals and raising as much money as possible.

The cost of the tour will cost each player approximately $5,700.

Craig Hill, Tour Manager said, “The girls will be playing 7-9 games against local High and Junior Varsity teams in cities including Washington, Alexandria, Virginia Beach, Winston, Salem, Charlotte and LA.” He said, “We are taking away a talented group of athletes who will be very competitive.” In total there will be 19 athletes, 4 staff members and 13 guests going on tour.

The 19 athletes are aged between 15 – 17 years and part of the Victorian Junior Basketball League which is a semi-elite competition. The majority of the athletes started playing at the Frankston & District Basketball Association from the age of 6 and progressed to Frankston Blues representative teams.

Kiara, 15 years old, is one of the athletes chosen for the USA tour and is very excited adding, “All the girls are dedicated and with the amount of time training which is a minimum of twice a week plus gym work, you really have to love the game and have good time management skills.” She said, “I love it.”

To help raise funds the Fundraising committee has organised a comedy night with 3 of Australia’s best comedians. Troy Kinne, ‘The Comedy Channel’, Dave O’Neil, ‘Spicks & Specks’ and Des Dowling, ‘Agony Uncles’ will perform live at the Peninsula Community Theatre on Friday 5 July at 8.30pm, doors open 7.30pm. Tickets are $35 each or groups of 10 are $30 per person. Food & drink available for purchase.
Tickets for this great comedy night NOT TO BE MISSED contact Tim  Bower on 0419 813 650 or email tim.bower@simplot.com.au.

The RPP FM local radio team and the Frankston and Peninsula communities wish the Frankston Blues Basketball Club U18 Girls Team all the very best. They will be great ambassadors for the Frankston Blues and the general community.

For more details on the Frankston Blues Basketball club, updates and events visit bluesbasketball.net.au

Donations and sponsors support would be greatly appreciated. If you can help, contact Tim Bower on the above details. 

Words by Debra Mar

Insert: Head Coach Byron Carpenter

Pictured from Back Row:
35           Maddison Olsen
25           Shannon Beard
11           Chloe Smith
55           Courtney Wilkins
51           Abby Chernishoff
10           Shaye Williams
35           Emily Ridgway
40           Clare Woods

Middle Row:
12            Stephanie Reid
13            Isabeau Cooper
22            Gracie Glenn
                Kristin Thornell (Coach)
                Byron Carpenter (Head Coach)
41           Samara Hill
30           Kate Patterson
14           Leah Carpenter

Front Row:
55           Isobel Cannella
15           Carly Bury
33           Olivia Smith
6             Shanna Thornell
50           Kiara Bower