Over the weekend of May 18-19, the merry team of brothers that is the Goannas got together to step up their preparations for the World Deaf Basketball Championships. The usual sessions were undertaken at the Rowville Sports Academy stadiums, focusing on their defensive and offensive plays and build their fitness. 

This camp however was a bit different, as there was a fundraiser event on the Saturday night, Sportsman's Night. This event was a major part of the Goannas' ability to attend two international tournaments in the space of 4 months, and by all accounts the night was a success, raising well over $10,000 towards the costs of the Asia Pacific Deaf Games in October. The night was headlined by the guest speaker, Martin Pike - a 4-time AFL premiership player for North Melbourne Kangaroos and Brisbane Lions. Martin spoke of his experience playing in successful teams after the low moments with Fitzroy Lions, and how his time at North Melbourne and Brisbane helped emphasise that a close-knit team will eventually find success. He also spoke about the need to approach games with a positive mindset, that the Goannas are equals with other competing countries at the approaching Worlds, and to back their abilities and teammates during the competition. There were also silent auctions as well as an auction of major sporting memoribilia, namely a corporate box donated by the Melbourne United NBL club for their home games during the 15/16 NBL season, which raised the lion's share of proceeds from the night. 

A MASSIVE thank you must go to the following people for ensuring the Sportsman's night was a big success:

• Brett Chandler, Glenn Sharp and their work AHG for their support in obtaining key auction items as well as securing Martin Pike as our guest speaker for the night
  
• Pete Unwin from Melbourne United 
• Martin Pike
• Bayswater Hotel for allowing us to use their Sports Bar for the night as the function room
• Auslan Stage Left for offering an interpreter for the evening
• Mick Hill for his auctioneer efforts
• Martin Semken for being a great MC on the night (including his great story telling related to Brent Reid and his new nickname which won't be revealed here!)
• Knox Basketball
• Monsta Surf
• Globewest
• Liquorland
• IMG
• Totalspan Kilsyth
• Officeworks Bayswater
• Nick Bilyj
• and lastly, Brent Reid and the boys for their team work in ensuring everyone who attended had a great night!

The Sportsman's Night is not the only way the Goannas have raised funds for the Asia Pacific Deaf Games - there are Goannas merchandise available to order - tshirts for $30 as well as wristbands for $2 - if you are interested in purchasing Goannas merchandise please get in touch with us via our Facebook page. There is also a GoFundMe page that people are able to donate to the Goannas - we need as much support as we can as the Goannas strive to bring home their first ever Gold medal in Deaf Basketball Australia's history!

We will leave you with this awesome video promo of the Goannas, and hope you jump on board the Goannas bandwagon!!!