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 Basketball Ballarat is pleased to announce that Ballarat will host an in-season WNBL home game for the Bendigo Spirit. This exciting event will take place on Sunday, November 24th at Selkirk Stadium, featuring the Round 4 match between Bendigo Spirit and the Southside Flyers. 

This special match will be part of the WNBL’s Indigenous Round, a celebration of culture and community, adding further significance to what promises to be an unmissable event. The match not only strengthens the relationship between Ballarat and The Spirit but also reinforces the growth of women’s basketball in the region. 

Basketball Ballarat CEO Neville Ivey expressed his excitement about the announcement: “We are excited to partner with The Spirit to showcase elite Women’s Basketball here in Ballarat at Selkirk Stadium. Elite athletes serve as role models, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams, whether in sports or other fields. Seeing women excel at a high level boosts confidence and encourages participation” 

There is already a strong connection between the two towns and clubs, with Head Coach Kennedy Kereama and players Abbey Wehrung and Micah Simpson both representing the Ballarat Miners NBL1 team this past season. Both Kennedy and Abbey commented on the opportunity to play in front of their Ballarat fans; 

Abbey Wehrung: “I’m very excited to be able to play a WNBL game in Ballarat. Having played juniors here, and more recently NBL1, I cherish every opportunity to be able to play on what is my home court. I look forward to playing in front of a big home crowd supporting the Spirit.” 

Kennedy Kereama: “It is fantastic to be able to play a regular season game here in Ballarat. It will be great to see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd and give them the opportunity to support the top level of basketball. Not only do we have locals such as Abbey Wehrung, but the opportunity to see Australian Opals such as Sami Whitcomb and Marianna Tolo is great for young girls in the region 

Bendigo Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, echoed these sentiments, saying “We are thrilled to be working with Ballarat Basketball to bring a regular season game to Selkirk Stadium. 

Ballarat has a rich basketball history so I’m excited for Ballarat locals to see world-class basketball, but also for our fans in Bendigo to travel and see the amazing facilities that Ballarat has to offer. 

Finally, it’s a great opportunity for Abbey Wehrung to be able to play in front of her junior association so I know that she will want to put on a show.” 

As Ballarat continues to be a hub for elite-level sport, this game will bring a high level of competition to the local basketball scene. The Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL matches draw in basketball enthusiasts from across the region, and with the added energy of the Indigenous Round, this game will be an event for the entire community to enjoy. 

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This is a fantastic opportunity for Ballarat residents to witness elite-level women’s basketball in their own backyard, and to celebrate the sport and culture that unite communities.