BASKETBALL STARS HIT THE PILBARA: WILDCATS AND LYNX INSPIRE A GENERATION
BY ASAD KHAN
Children across the Pilbara are getting a rare chance to learn from some of Australia’s top basketballers this week, as the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx lead a three-day coaching blitz across the region.
From 21 to 23 July, more than 1,000 young athletes will take part in the Pilbara Festival of Basketball, attending free clinics led by professional players in 19 towns, including Karratha, Roebourne, Pannawonica, Paraburdoo and Tom Price.
The event, now in its second year, is supported by Rio Tinto through its partnerships with both the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, aiming to connect elite athletes with remote communities and inspire a new generation of talent.
‘Unforgettable moments’ for regional kids
Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said giving regional youth the opportunity to connect with their sporting heroes is at the heart of the club’s mission.
“Connecting fans with basketball is at the heart of what we do at the Perth Wildcats, no matter how far from the city they might be,” he said.
“Thanks to our work with Rio Tinto and the Pilbara Festival of Basketball, we’re able to spend quality time in regional areas, giving young people a chance to meet their favourite Wildcats players and discover new inspiration for the game.”
Professional women’s basketball comes to the bush
Perth Lynx General Manager Chris Earl said the festival was especially important for showcasing women’s sport in remote areas.
“At the Perth Lynx, we believe in the power of sport to connect and inspire communities,” he said.
“Thanks to our partnership with Rio Tinto, we’re able to bring that experience to life for regional communities across WA.”
Local pride in sport and opportunity
Rio Tinto Pilbara Mines Managing Director Matt Holcz, who grew up in the region, said sport plays a crucial role in regional development.
“These clinics help young people build confidence, leadership skills and healthy habits,” he said.
“By expanding the program this year to more towns, we’re reaching more kids across the Pilbara and giving them the chance to learn from and be inspired by their basketball heroes.”
Rio Tinto first partnered with the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx in 2023. Since then, nearly 300 young players from Pilbara schools and local clubs have trained alongside some of the nation’s best.
'Super important' for kids to meet their heroes
Perth Lynx player Amy Atwell said the experience was just as valuable for the athletes as it is for the young fans.
“The kids up here don't get as much access as kids closer to the city,” she said.
“So it's super important to be able to come up here, and Rio backing that and making it possible for us to do that is… yeah, super cool.”
The clinics continue through 23 July, with players delivering drills, sharing tips, and sparking dreams from the Pilbara courts to the city arenas.