The 2020 Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Tamworth Toyota basketball athletes will be travelling south to Sydney this Friday for a basketball tour.
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This will be the first time this year that the squad has travelled away together.
The weekend is set to be very exciting for the teams, with some action-packed, basketball-filled days.
On Friday, February 14, the squads will commute to Sydney.
After spending the day on the bus together, the athletes will briefly settle into their accommodation before training in the afternoon.
That evening, the athletes will watch the Sydney Kings play the Illawarra Hawks at QUDOS Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, where many world-performing athletes have competed.
The Tamworth Toyota basketball squad will be watching the Sydney Kings play the Illawarra Hawks, and have the privilege to stand court-side as the teams warm up before the match.
"We're thrilled to be able to bring this opportunity to our Academy athletes. We like to give them as many opportunities as we can to not only develop their skills as athletes, but to give them memorable experiences for years to come", Northern Inland Academy of Sport CEO, James Cooper said.
On Saturday NIAS athletes will watch the Newington first grade play at Newington College. The NIAS squads will then play their own matches.
The boys will be playing Newington College, and the girls will be playing Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College.
After a good night's sleep, the teams will have a training session with the Newington head of basketball Rex Nottage. Nottage has been involved with basketball for decades and has coached in the National Basketball League. NIAS head coach of the boys' team, Greg O'Toole shares this enthusiasm.
"It'll be a fantastic experience for the squad. Nottage has extensive knowledge on the game and will be able to give them invaluable advice and tips on improving both as individuals and as a team," O'Toole said.
Before departing for home, the teams will once again engage in matches, this time the girls will play against Pymble Ladies College, and the boys will rematch Newington.
NIAS PROFILE: Madeleine Lewin
Sports Program:
The "Wests Entertainment Group" Hockey program
How long have you played hockey for?
I've played hockey for over a decade...11 years!
Who is your favorite athlete?
Kate Jenner - she is an Olympic hockey player (from Tamworth) who represented Australia in 2012 during the Summer Olympics in London. During the 2014 Commonwealth games Jenner helped Australia win gold.
What are your goals in sport?
To gain a spot on the hockey NSW Athlete Acceleration Program, and to play for NSW.
Greatest Influence?
My dad is definitely one of my greatest influences. He supports me in everything I do.
