CYGNETT WNBL LAUNCHES 2022/23 INDIGENOUS ROUND
During Round 14 of the 2022-23 season, the Cygnett WNBL will host its second Indigenous Round. Aligned with National Apology Day (February 13), the themed-round will raise awareness about important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural topics and share stories from the Indigenous women paving the way for future players.
Between 11-19 February, the WNBL will utilise its platform to provide educational resources and roll out a creative campaign produced in partnership with computer software company Adobe.
Over the past week, Adobe’s Indigenous-led production crew followed Adelaide Lightning’s Abby Cubillo as she returned home to Darwin to reconnect with the basketball clubs and programs that helped her become the first Larrakia person to compete in the WNBL.
“The WNBL Indigenous Round is really special, and I’m extremely proud to have been part of this project,” said Cubillo.
“I’ve always been proud of my heritage and where I came from, so to be able to share that with the league and its community is amazing.
“I hope my journey as a player can inspire others to chase their dreams.”
Providing even more inspiration for Darwin’s local community Cubillo was accompanied by First Nations players Shaneice Swain from the Canberra Capitals and Nes’aya Parker-Williams from Townsville Fire.
Player features of Cubillo, Swain and Parker-Williams will be published via the WNBL’s social platforms and broadcast coverage throughout the round. Additionally, Adobe content creator and Indigenous artist Desirai Saunders is producing graphic illustrations of the trio for printed and digital mediums, reflecting their heritage and how the youth look up to them as trailblazers.
To provide practical resources for the WNBL clubs and community to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Basketball Australia has created a cultural awareness quiz. Once the results have identified topics you could improve your knowledge on, educational resources are available on the WNBL website.
In honour of the round, WNBL teams will wear indigenous-themed jerseys and warm-up tops, while the referees continue to wear uniforms featuring artwork by Indigenous artist Tamara May Murray.
The Head of WNBL Christy Collier-Hill is looking forward to another successful Indigenous Round.
“I’m thrilled to see the WNBL hosting its second Indigenous Round,” said Collier-Hill.
“For many indigenous people, particularly the younger generation, it’s crucial for them to have idols in sports and feel their culture’s represented within the game.
“We hope the increased representation throughout the themed-round will give the community something to aspire to and a sense of belonging.”
The Indigenous Round starts tomorrow when the Bendigo Spirit host Southside Flyers for the first game of the season at Geelong Arena. Tune in on 9Now.