BA welcomes Government funding to elevate the Women’s World Cup in 2022
Basketball Australia and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Local Organising Committee (LOC) welcome the $5million funding commitment announced by the Australian Government as part of its ‘Supporting Women in Sport’ initiative within the 2021-22 Budget.
This funding will support the delivery of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022 and associated Legacy Programs to increase female participation and leadership nationally including the establishment of Pathways Program for basketball administrators, coaches and officials to accredit more women, and an Indigenous Women’s Leadership Program to encourage more Indigenous women to get involved in basketball.
To be held in Sydney next year, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is international basketball’s flagship women’s event, featuring the world’s best players from 12 of basketball’s powerhouse nations across Africa, Americas, Asia & Oceania and Europe.
As one of the first major sporting events to aid Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, the Australian Government’s investment will enhance and magnify the event nationally.
LOC Chair David Reid said the Australian Government’s commitment would support the LOC’s mission to elevate the power and excitement of women’s basketball.
“In September 2022, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will welcome the world’s best players to Sydney, igniting the passion for women’s basketball across the country and showcasing Australia’s commitment to gender equality in sport for women and girls,” Reid said.
LOC Chief Executive Melissa King recognised that this funding would amplify the event nationally and support creating a bold, engaging and inclusive event that will warmly welcome players, teams, officials and fans.
We want to create a legacy for basketball, especially women and girls, as they see the top female basketball athletes compete on home soil. We want to showcase the skill and athleticism of these players to a wider audience and grow the sport of Basketball in Australia,” King said
Basketball Australia interim CEO, Carolyn Campbell said “The Federal Government’s funding commitment was very welcome news for women’s basketball. The growth in women playing basketball will now have much needed additional support.
There is more to do in amplifying the event nationally and internationally through Legacy Programs associated to the event and we are excited to further explore these opportunities with the federal government through future funding opportunities.”
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 will be held at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday 22 September to Saturday 1 October 2022 and is also supported by the NSW Government through its major events and tourism agency, Destination NSW and the Office of Sport.