The first inter-primary school basketball competition for Sydney Adventist Schools was held at Macarthur Adventist College in Macquarie Fields. Students in Years 5 and 6 from four schools met at the College for a round robin competition, for both boys and girls teams.

“It’s been a really fun morning and we’re very happy with how everything has gone for our first event,” says Miss Jess Lee, competition coordinator and head of Junior School at Macarthur Adventist College. “Bringing the kids together to get to know each other and also participate in some friendly competition has been great. All of the students have really enjoyed themselves and shown great sportsmanship, playing within the spirit of the game. We’re planning to make this an annual event.”

Seventy-eight students from Macarthur Adventist College, Hills Adventist College, Sydney Adventist School Auburn and Hurstville Adventist School played a total of 12 games during the four hour competition. Each game consisted of two 10-minute halves. The games were refereed by Year 11 students from Macarthur Adventist College and Mr Rod Saunders, their Senior School Physical Education Teacher.

Both boys and girls teams from Macarthur Adventist College and Hills Adventist College went into the Finals. The winner of this inaugural competition in both the boys’ and girls’ categories was Hills Adventist College. The winning teams were presented with perpetual plaques, which will be used every year to honour the competition winners.

Most of the teams were accompanied by a teacher and their school chaplain. “Having the chaplains come along and support the students has been a really nice bonus to this event,” says Miss Lee. “It’s great to receive their support, and I also think the students have appreciated getting to know their chaplains in a new way. Events like this are great for bringing people together. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”