The Vibe 3on3™ came to the Kimberleys for the first time last month, paying a visit to the picturesque community of Kununurra.

Known for its sweeping rock formations and breathtaking scenery, Kununurra became host with the most in the last weekend of July, as the community welcomed the Vibe 3on3™.

Participants and spectators turned out in force, with 67 teams playing over the weekend, a record for a first time event. And thanks to some excellent support from the community, the Vibe crew enjoyed one of the smoothest and deadliest 3on3s to date.

Kununurra was also one of the hottest 3on3s to date, and that’s not just in reference to the scorching break dancing and basketball moves displayed out on centre court. The east Kimberley sun was out in force, blasting at around 35 degrees on both days. However, this did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the young people of the community, who played strong all day out on the courts, displaying some fantastic talent and sportsmanship.

“I enjoyed every part of the trip,” said Tammy Jarrett, who conducts the girls’ hip hop dancing workshops. “The kids and the teachers we met during the school visits were right into it.

“The hip hop dance classes were a lot of fun because the girls had no shame about dancing. The talent was amazing as well, and both the boys and girls walked out of the dance classes feeling proud of themselves.”

Event co-ordinator Claude Williams was also full of praise for the community.

“The Kununurra 3on3 was bigger than I expected,” Claude admitted. “First-time events are usually a mystery when it comes to gauging community support and participation levels, but the community went all out to make this event a huge success – from 8:30am on both days the Kununurra basketball courts were packed with young kids wanting to sign up.”

For Gavin Jones, event producer, the enthusiasm displayed by the entire Kununurra community is what made the weekend so special.

“It was the first time we have done an event in the East Kimberleys, and it was an absolute standout success at all levels,” he said. “The whole community of Kununurra really got behind it.

“Special thanks must go to sponsorship and community development officer, Rowena Lupton of Argyle Diamonds, who worked tirelessly to pull the event together.

“Also a big acknowledgment to the young people and the parents of the Wyndham community who went the extra yard and brought two bus loads of kids to the event.”

The Vibe 3on3™ is a two day Aboriginal youth weekend festival that incorporates basketball, dancing, art, culture and health. We aim to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen communities and boost self-esteem. The Vibe 3on3™ is also an excellent opportunity for health services and related organisations to introduce themselves to the wider community. For more information, go to www.vibe.com.au

The Vibe 3on3™ would not be possible without our sponsors Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation, the Department of Health and Ageing through the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Special thanks also to local sponsors Argyle Diamonds.

WINNERS

Boys U10 Street Ball Kids Andrew Davis Richard Birch Russel McCoy Samuel Marchant Presenter: Rowena Lupton	Girls U10 MKBJ’s Madeleine Edwards Ali Davey Katie Davis (not there Taylah Swan) Presenter: Hughie Ah-won
Boys U12 G-Unit Kurt Barnes Alex Chlulng Dallas Woods Presenter: Michelle Musselwhite	Girls U12 Wyndham Chicks Margaret French Sarah Finabulsey Kimika Clark Presenter: David Cox
Boys U14 Knights Luke Davis Joseph Davies Raymond Bradshaw Robert Kelly Presenter: Rowena Lupton	Girls U14 Bad Girls Tarnee Taylor Kailah Gallagher Sharene Birch Brittany Gore Presenter: Duck Chulung
Boys U16 Wyndham Rapters Daniel Hassett Samuel Birch Junior Birch Dan Gore Presenter: Lulu McKenna	Girls U16 Champions Sapphire Cox Shelly Taylor Jennifer Wilson Presenter: Brooke Jessell
Boys U18 Hornets Jeffrey Benning Cameron Carlton Burnie Russell Presenter: Michelle Musselwhite	Puggy Hunter Winner Daniel Cox Presenter: Elizabeth Cox, Chairperson OVAHS
Rap Competition Winners Boys Dallas Woods (G-Unit) Presenter: Wire MC	Rap Competition Winners Girls Bad Girls Tarnee Taylor Kailah Gallagher Shareene Birch Brittany Gore
Break-off Competition Winners Boys Blake Topliss (1st) Daniel Cox (2nd) Terence Bird (3rd) Presenter: Isaac Parsons aka BBoy 2Ezy	Break-off Competition Winners Girls Christine Smith (1st) Jenna Birch (2nd) Macaiah Mitchelson (3rd) Presenter: Tammie Jarrett

Best Team Card Wyndham Girls Angeline Birch Jackie McCoy Brianna Birch Presenter: Claude Williams	My Story Winner Calyca Rogers

Tags: Kununurra, Vibe 3on3, westerna australia