Basketball ACT History
Basketball has long held a place in the heart of the Canberra community, with roots stretching back to the early 1940s. What began as a series of exhibition matches and community competitions has grown into one of the regionās most popular and widely played sports. From its humble beginnings to the establishment of a structured governing body and the development of dedicated facilities, the journey of basketball in the ACT is a testament to passion, perseverance, and community spirit. This rich history has laid the foundation for the thriving basketball landscape we see today ā one that continues to grow, inspire, and unite players of all ages across the Territory.
With the first reported competition game of basketball played in 1942, and the formation of the ACT Menās Amateur Basketball Association in 1949, the sport of basketball has a deep and rich history in our region. From exhibition matches against interstate visitors and āGala Sports Carnivalsā, that featured Australian and US military teams, in the early years, the appeal and growth of the sport over the years would culminate with 20 teams competing in the 1957 season.
However, it was the amalgamation in 1961 of the ACT Menās Amateur Basketball Association and the ACT Ladies International Rules Basketball Association (formed in 1960), to form the ACT Amateur Basketball Association, that really solidified the on-going presence of basketball in our region.
Over the decades, basketball grew and flourished, and saw a progression to bigger and better facilities. Starting at the Drill Hall Gallery, utilising Manuka Oval, and a long-term home at NATEX (now known as EPIC), basketball in Canberra found its current home at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium in 1990.
The ACT Amateur Basketball Association also changed with the times ā becoming incorporated as an association in 1975 (Australian Capital Territory Association Incorporated), renamed to ACT Basketball Incorporated in 1985, trading as Basketball Canberra in 1995, One Canberra Basketball in 2002, and finally to Basketball ACT in 2009.
Today Basketball ACT is home to over 9000 registered players (junior and senior), over 600 teams, more than 300 referees and 23 member and associate member clubs.
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