SPORT 19
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 2023
Mills helps launch Queensland North league M Continued from P20 “Been looking forward to it over the last three years,” Benny said. “Patty just couldn’t get here because of his basketball schedule in the States and with the COVID restrictions as well. “We’ve been there from the start, with the under 14s when we started off, we’ve been there supporting them.” He said Queensland North Regional
Coordinator Kay Zaro, members of Gerib Sik dance team and their families had grown up together in Canberra. “This is my first time here to Queensland with the program here,” he said. “And it is great that Patty was here as well, the regional coordinator Kay and her husband Noel, they were big part of him growing up in Canberra when we were there. “They started the
dance team when he was little,” he said. “He started growing up and learning those dances that he performed out there today. “There’s a lot of connections and relationships today.” Kay said it was amazing to have Patty on board for the launch. “We are the first region to ever have Patty Mills come and attend our ICBL,” she said. “The way Pat spoke about the culture and
how important it is for our kids to have that in their lives, that’s something special about the program. “We put in that cultural aspect, so we have people who come in and speak on culture, plus we also do the traditional dancing, which encompasses a cultural night when we go down to the Nationals, and all the kids have to perform. “That’s what we saw when we went
down to 14s, we saw the kids, they all got up and performed, they all loved it, and they all just immersed the culture.” She said the Under 17 ICBL for Queensland North was a short season, with Grand Finals already on the horizon later this month. “We’ve got a high number of Torres Strait Islander players,” she said. “I think this competition is different because it’s Indigenous-
focused, you know, whether it’s 14s or 17s. “We have a lot of opportunity for our kids to build on their careers and there are a lot of spin-offs off that as well. “Pat’s vision was to have kids go through the age groups and make it to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.” Patty was in Cairns with the Australian Boomers who were on a camp in preparation for their next competition. “I am here today for
my team getting ready for the World Cup next month, and you guys are here, you girls are here, to get ready for the 2030 World Cup,” he said. “Keep thinking, ‘I am going to 2030’. “What we’ve done is we’ve built a cultural identity, your identity, so you can truly understand that and be proud of it. “The program will implement everything else that you will come to learn over the course of the weeks.”
TN0230 8x2 local sports
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THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA
FERRY SCHEDULE JUN – SEP 2023 Monday to Saturday (June to Saturday, 30 September) THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: Depart 8AM & 4PM
During June to end of September, 2023, Peddells Ferry will operate on all gazetted bank holidays.
“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”
Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure
PHONE 07 4069 1551
RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents (or by phone: booking fee applicable) Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm LUGGAGE – Passengers are required to take their luggage directly to the ferry with them at boarding time (1 piece under 20 kg, excess charges otherwise apply) FREIGHT – Items under 20 kg carried, conditions apply. Please note freight may be delivered 1.30pm to 2pm to travel on the 2.30pm TI-Seisia Service or at other times delivered directly to the vessel and pre paid.
The Jetty Shop & Office, Engineers Jetty, Thursday Is.
