2022 Country Cup Cancelled
Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup - Media Release
For the second year in a row, the Directors of the prestigious Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) have been forced to abandon the event for 2022. The impact of Covid forced the Directors to cancel the January 2021 event and whilst discussions and planning had continued, team and athlete preparation has been severely impacted, leaving organisers no other option but to cancel the January 2022 event. Notification was received in July from the New Zealand contingent that due to Border Closures and local NZ Covid impacts, they had no option but to withdraw from the competition for 2022.
At that time, the decision was made to continue to plan the “Cup” as an all-Australian event. However, this week, correspondence was received from the CEOs of both Basketball New South Wales and Basketball Victoria stating, that whilst they fully support the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and its place in the Australian Basketball pathway, the impact of Covid on preparation, travel/attendance, accommodation etc., has given them no other option than to withdraw. “There are numerous factors responsible for our (BNSW/BV) decision to withdraw from the ACJBC. These include the uncertainty in both states regarding a return to sport and the lack of basketball activity that our athletes have had throughout the lockdowns which will have a significant impact on the readiness of teams and the increased risk of injury.
The unknowns surrounding border travel and the ability for people to be able to travel across regions and converge in Albury in January is also of major concern.” – BNSW CEO, Marie Nordstrom and BV CEO, Nick Honey All involved are extremely disappointed that for the second year in a row, the “Cup” event will not go ahead. Each year the participants, families and volunteers look forward to attending and being hosted by the Albury/Wodonga community.
ACJBC secretary, Paul Gooding, on behalf of the directors, stated “It is highly disappointing that we once again cannot operate this event, which has a strong 35-year history prior to covid impacting with the process. Many athletes, Officials and Coaches have been able to use the “Cup” to reach their pinnacle in this sport.
We will back, bigger better and stronger, and have already started working with our partners and stakeholders to prepare for the “Cup” in 2023. The dates for the 2023 ACJBC have been set for the 16 th to the 21st of January 2023 in Albury Wodonga
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.