Young basketballers in the Latrobe Valley were treated to a memorable surprise this week as Australian basketball star Jade Melbourne returned to her home region with a special delivery—$1,000 worth of brand-new Spalding basketballs to support grassroots basketball.
Morwell Basketball Association was the lucky winner of a Basketball Australia x Spalding competition, with the prize aimed at supporting local clubs and helping young athlete access quality equipment.
Jade Melbourne—who splits her time between the Opals, Canberra Capitals, and Washington Mystics—personally delivered the prize to Morwell Basketball Association.
“I hope this win and receiving the equipment from Spalding makes Morwell Basketball feel seen,” Melbourne said.
“They are a fantastic association providing so many kids with the opportunity to play basketball weekly, but also the opportunity to represent the town at junior tournaments. There are lots of fantastic people involved in the association doing really great things.”
A proud product of regional Victoria, Jade also spoke about the importance of being a visible role model for young players coming through.
“I love going home and being able to connect with young kids who love basketball.
“I’m a true believer of ‘you can’t be what you can’t see,’ and not so long ago, I was that kid aspiring to represent Australia one day, So I think it’s special for them to see that a person from this area can do it.”
Basketball Australia and Spalding continue to support grassroots basketball across the country, ensuring communities like Morwell have the tools and inspiration they need to grow the game from the ground up.
