Flyers embracing Indigenous Round
Playing Strip just the start of the celebratons of Indigenous Culture
The Indigenous strip worn by the Flyers in Geelong last Saturday will be worn again on Sunday in the game against Perth Lynx at the State Basketball Centre as part of the celebrations of WNBL Indigenous Round.
Purchase Tickets to Sunday’s Home Game at the State Basketball Centre
The Flyers have embraced the Indigenous Round and the uniforms are just part of the Flyers commitment to learn more and in doing so, to help raise awareness about important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural topics
The playing uniforms were designed by proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Emma Stenhouse, who spent time with the players to find out their core values and what connections they had with their culture. Then Emma was then able to create the players and the Flyers story through this incredible artwork.
“The artwork is a reflection of the teams’ values, and the unity, care, support and nurturing they provide one another. It is based on ‘Sisterhood’,” Emma said this week.
The artwork shows the journey of the team together, with the women lining the journey. The meeting place represents home – the stadium and gathering place for the team and supporters. The group of circles on the top right represents a camp, with two rows of peoples surrounding – this reflects the teaching and sharing that the team does with each other and the development of future players. Bottom left are three lines with waves in them representing the travel the team does. The circles with the three lines joining them show connection – to each other and to us. The colours used represent the colours of the Jayco Southside Flyers.
Emma said it was an incredible honour to have been involved in designing the uniforms and admitted it was a ‘pinch me’ moment to see such elite athletes wearing her artwork in the WNBL and was grateful for Gerry Ryan giving her this opportunity.
“Gerry is very passionate about women as professional athletes and lifting the profile of women in sport and he is also a huge supporter of Indigenous communities, in particular Indigenous artists,” added Emma.
Emma said it was far more than the uniforms, it was what the players and the team represented and the positive messages being taken to the community.
“The players are role models for girls and young women to aspire to, the women of the Southside Flyers influence us to chase our dreams, work hard and be positive role models for those around us – just as the women in the team do. ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’.
The Southside Flyers have created a family, which includes players, support staff and of course the coaches who provide incredible leadership. We are all privileged to be a part of the Southside Flyers Family. Their connection to each other and to those of us who support them is what makes the team so special.”
The players were involved in a weaving workshop with Emma following training on Friday and Sunday’s game will be a wonderful celebration of Indigenous Round, commencing with the pre-game activities, which will include:
• Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy
• The National Anthem will be performed in traditional language by proud Wemba Wemba teenager, Breana Lee Wilson (a face you may remember from Australia’s Got Talent)
• Indigenous Cultural dance
• Koorie Academy Basketball representatives will present an Indigenous Artefact to the respective team captains.
The State Basketball Centre is the place to be this Sunday, February 19. The Flyers in action in another important game against Perth Lynx and the celebration of Indigenous culture. Arrive early and be part of the celebrations.
Flyers v Lynx
Sunday February 19
State Basketball Centre
Tip Off: 3:00pm
Pre-Game Entertainment from 2:30pm
A reminder tickets for Flyers games must be pre-purchased and downloaded on your phone for entry to all games. Entry to all Flyers home games at the State Basketball Centre will be via a digital barcode on your mobile phone. This is in line with all other major sporting venues, providing easy access for all spectators.
Your digital game ticket will provide entry to the venue and your reserved seat for the game. Simply scan your digital ticket as you enter the stadium and make your way to your reserved seat to see all the action.
Purchase Tickets to Sunday’s Home Game at the State Basketball Centre