Valley
BRAVES
Focus talks to Shane, President of Valley Braves Basketball, about the unique Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge, a basketball tournament that promotes inclusion and pays tribute to one of the club’s beloved founders.
H
ey Shane, Can you tell us a little about the history and mission of Valley Braves Basketball?
Valley Braves Basketball was established in 2006 with the aim to provide a variety of basketball programs accessible to everyone and to foster a positive community culture. We are a community, non-profit, all volunteer sporting association. Our mission is to create an inclusive, engaging and vibrant basketball environment where our members are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential both on and off the court. The 'Be Brave' values of sportsmanship, leadership, community, teamwork, and passion are at the core of your organisation. How do these values contribute to creating an inclusive and vibrant basketball environment for your 90 COFFS COAST focus
members? We take immense pride in nurturing the skills and character of our young athletes. By adopting our ‘Be Brave’ values, athletes create an inclusive culture which encourages all members to grow and develop into young leaders. This supportive and engaging culture ensures everyone is welcome, valued and respected, regardless of ability, experience or circumstance. The sense of community, which we value highly, creates a support system where members know they belong and are part of something greater. Incorporating these 'Be Brave' values into our culture, policies, and dayto-day operations leads to a more inclusive and vibrant basketball environment by promoting this sense of belonging. The Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge has a special significance in your club's history. Could you share more about how the tournament was established and the
decision to rename it in honour of Bronwyn Vigors? Valley Braves first established the Pacific Challenge in 2015 when we saw the need and opportunity to provide a tournament with the aim of promoting inclusion and fostering a friendly environment for all basketballers. We wanted to provide a unique platform for individuals of various backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities to come together and enjoy the sport in a high calibre tournament. In 2016, the tournament was renamed the Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge in honour of one of our founding members and beloved Club President who passed away earlier that year. Considering Bronny’s tireless work ethic and her constant motto of everything being for the kids, we thought it was very fitting to rename the carnival, aimed at promoting inclusion and fostering a friendly environment, after her. What makes the Bronwyn Vigors Pacific