2024 Western Desert Tour: Basketball WA, Ngurra Kujungka and Roy Hill take basketball to remote communities

Basketball WA recently teamed up with Ngurra Kujungka to deliver a basketball program to Parnngurr and Jigalong — remote communities in the Western Desert. Through collaboration and teamwork, the 2024 Western Desert Tour promoted physical activity, fostered a sense of community and enabled access to basketball in these communities. The week-long initiative went further than basketball, encouraging community engagement and providing positive outlets for young people, through school clinics and after school programs. “We were able to get meaningful touchpoints with some 40-odd girls and boys, just through providing flexible and fun programs and creating friendly environments on the court,” Basketball WA coach Keely O’Brien said. “By the end of our stops at Parnngurr and Jigalong, we knew their names and they knew ours and they hugged us goodbye. “As we drove away, we watched them continue to shoot around and free-play, staying active and connected to the game long after we’re gone.” Throughout the tour, Basketball WA led drills, skill-building exercises and friendly scrimmages to help participants improve their basketball skills and develop a love for the game. Roy Hill donated Healthway approved meals throughout the clinics, promoting good health and building healthy habits on and off the court.