Brought together by basketball

RIVERLANDERS tested their skills against teams visiting from Adelaide, while highlighting the benefits of inclusivity, at a major community carnival.

The Berri Blazers Inclusive Basketball Carnival – running for the second year – was held last Saturday, and Sunday, at Berri’s Toyota Arena.

Event organiser Chrissy Eleftheriadis said this year’s carnival included teams from SAPOL, and the Adelaide Basketball Academy.

“For the first time we (had) the Law Enforcement Torch Run to open the carnival, followed by a SAPOL exhibition game, with our local coppers playing the inclusive team,” Eleftheriadis said.

“(Our) dinner at the Berri Hotel on Saturday night had about 80 people attend.

“We received really positive feedback last year. It’s just great everyone values, and puts a strong emphasis on inclusiveness, valuing everyone, and giving each other the opportunity to play basketball.”

Eleftheriadis said providing a platform that ensured participants had a positive experience while playing sport was personally rewarding.

“The friendships that have been made… have been amazing,” she said.

“Our metro colleagues have a lot more experience running carnivals, so we get a lot of support from the Special Olympics in Adelaide.

“The Riverland (had) 29 players over the weekend, and they couldn’t wait.”

Eleftheriadis was optimistic the event would continue to expand next year.

“We’re still fine-tuning a few things, but we’re hoping to increase (the event) next year,” she said.

“It’s all run by volunteers, so we’ve got amazing coaches and umpires.

“Families have been really supportive as well, so we’re hoping it can grow, but we need to make sure we can manage it here with the volunteers we have.