Not Drunk,’, the drug Offensive 3 on 3 Basketball Challenge commenced in Brisbane on 9 January, moving to Sydney on January 16, and culminated in Melbourne on 26 January 1997.
Within the 3 on 3 competition there are six categories: under 14 boys; under 14 girls; under 16 boys; under 16 girls; under 18 boys and under 18 girls. This is street basketball, U.S.style, played on a half court with different rules to standard basketball, a different attitude and mega prizes to match.
Young people are encouraged to enter teams to play off for the top prizes of a trip to the U.S. , to meet professional basketball heroes, visit Disneyland and the set of Baywatch.
Other prizes include Microsoft CD Vision games and Optus Vision Merchandise.
Local basketball stars that made celebrity appearances included Andre La Fleur (Hawks), Butch Hays (Falcons) , Trish Fallon (Flames) , Annie La Fleur (Flames) and Derek Rucker (Suns). Pro basketballers Dwayne Cross, the former Harlem Globetrotter, and ‘Above the Rim’ Tim O’Brien lent an international flavour.
I am extremely proud to be involved in such a positive program as the Drug Offensive 3 on 3 Challenge,” Dwayne said.
“It was very rewarding to see kids from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds play basketball with and against each other for the duration of the event, and an even bigger thrill for me to watch the special friendships which developed,” he said.
In Brisbane, Jason Baker, Todd Woodcock, Jaime McKay and Charles Durante were the members of the winning team from Kelvin Grove School who earned a five day holiday.
“The winners of the Under 16 Girls Division in Brisbane were Dawn and Danielle from Brisbane who teamed up with Courtney from Seymour on holiday (pictured above). The girls put in an excellent effort, coming all the way through to win their division and gain eligibility for the trip to the U.S.,” Dwayne said. (pictured above right with Tim O’Brien and the winning team)
In Sydney it was the under 18 side ‘Fear This’ that won the trip to the U.S. in the second leg of the Drug Offensive 3 on 3 Basketball Challenge. For the team members Emma Bramston, Emily MacNamara, Joanne Martin and Kim Host, it will be a case of doing it all again: the girls are all members of the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges basketball team which has just returned from success against Canada in a tournament in America.
“Darling Harbour created a magical atmosphere for the Sydney event,” Dwayne said.
“Another highlight for me was the party afterwards at the Hard Rock Café for the winners, alcohol-free of course.”
“Whether you are a competitor or a member of the community and want to help out, look out for the Drug Offensive 3 on 3. In my opinion is one of the most worthwhile events around for our young people,” says Dwayne.
In Australia, 3 on 3 is gaining support rapidly, thanks to it’s casual approach and relaxed rules that allow anyone a chance to play, no matter what their ability.
The Drug Offensive hopes through the 3 on 3 Challenge to encourage and inspire young people to avoid binge drinking and the harmful effects that can result.
For more information on the Drug Offensive 3 on 3 Basketball call Focal Sports in Melbourne on (03) 9521 9700.
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