Basketball NSW and Orange City Council have announced plans for Orange to host the U16s & U18 Spalding Waratah State Cup this year, in a collaboration that will foster community engagement and nurture young talent.
Orange will host the tournament twice, in 2024 and 2026, as part of the agreement, which underscores a commitment to promoting basketball among the region's young people.
The State Cup event draws the best boys' and girls' regional teams from across NSW, is scheduled to be held 17-18 August at the Sir Neville Howse Indoor Stadium at Anzac Park. It will showcase top-tier junior basketball talent from across New South Wales.
Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom thanked Orange City Council for their dedication to fostering grassroots sports in the region.
"We are thrilled to partner with Orange City Council for the U16s and U18 Spalding Waratah State Cup," Ms Nordstrom said.
"This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to fostering youth development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and celebrating the love of basketball within the community."
"Through our collective efforts, we aim to maintain an environment that fosters inclusivity and warmth, honouring the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair competition. Basketball is a sport for all, and we take immense pride in the talent present in our junior leagues throughout the state."
Orange City Council's Sport & Recreation Committee chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh welcomed the State Cup announcement, which could bring up to 1000 people to Orange for the weekend.
"The Council continues to look for opportunities to host major sporting tournaments in Orange and I'm delighted to hear the State Cup will be played in Orange both this year and again in 2026," Cr Greenhalgh said.
"Basketball is hugely popular in Orange and our rep teams have had great success in recent years. This this event will give our local youngsters the chance to see the best of regional teams up-close."
"Orange has a great track record when it comes to hospitality and we're looking forward to putting out the welcome mat for teams and their families."
BNSW expects to have about 32 teams participate during the weekend in Orange, with top teams coming together from both metro and country leagues to compete.
