Page 60 - BWA Annual Report 2023

3x3
3X3 basketball is booming in Australia, offering a fast-paced and versatile version of the game. Originating from streetball culture, it has gained recognition as an Olympic sport and is increasingly popular at all levels of play. The versatility of 3X3 has led to basketball clubs all over WA introducing it to their communities in 2023, solving the issues that come with limited court space and the ever- growing demand for more basketball. With its inclusive nature and exciting gameplay, 3X3 basketball is reshaping the basketball scene in WA.
3x3 STREETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS at GROUNDSWELL FESTIVAL
The Streetball State Championships returned to the scenic Scarborough Beach as part of the Groundswell Youth Festival in October. Alongside exhilarating urban sports like surfing, skating, and BMX, the festival spans three days and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for young people. It offers an ideal stage to showcase 3X3 streetball, complemented by live music, DJs, street art, food trucks, and various engaging activities tailored to attract and engage with the youth.
With the growing demand and plenty of players returning from the 2022 tournament, we stretched the day and created 7 extra team slots, seeing 38 total teams participating across the day. The U16 girls was once again the most popular division closely followed by the U16 & U14 boys. Notably, captains from WNBL Perth Lynx attended the afternoon finals, with vice-captain Amy Atwell awarding the U16s champions and captain Anneli Maley presenting to the U21s.
The Streetball State Championships were made possible through the support of the City of Stirling, event partners Kinn & Co, fellow sporting collaborators, and the local community. Groundswell Festival serves as a vital avenue to promote 3X3 basketball to a broader audience, and we eagerly anticipate its return to Scarborough Beach in 2024.
52% BOYS
PARTICIPANTS
145
48% GIRLS
55 | BWA ANNUAL REPORT 2023