Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) are delighted to announce Hanley’s Farm as the official Naming Rights Partner for the Under 15 Girl’s National Team, with the team set to travel to Guam next month for the U15 FIBA Oceania Championships – the start of a three-year cycle that culminates in the FIBAU17 Basketball World Cup.
Hanley’s Farm will be covering the cost for all 12 girls in the squad to travel to Guam in November, where they will compete in U15 FIBA Oceania Championships alongside the U15 Boy’s team. The top two teams from each tournament will advance to the FIBA U16 Asian Championship in 2023.
BBNZ Head of High Performance, Chelsea Lane says that the support provided by Hanley’s Farm will be of ‘massive’ benefit to both the young athletes and the programme itself.
“Having Hanley’s Farm on board with our U15 girls at this tournament is a big deal; it’s our largest age group sponsorship in the past decade and not only does it strengthen our age group programme by having a major backer behind this team, it helps alleviate any financial stress that these players and their families might be experiencing ahead of this trip,” says Lane.
“Hanley’s Farm are very passionate about the women’s game and supporting the growth of future Tall Ferns, which is fantastic. This is a critical pathway for many of our young female players; for many it’s their first time overseas and playing against international competition.
“So the opportunity for them to learn and grow from this experience is unparalleled, and many athletes who compete at this level – and at this age – can go on to achieve great things in their lives.”
RCL Group director David Wightman, part of the team behind Hanley’s Farm, says:
“It is with great pleasure that we partner with BBNZ to assist in getting the Under 15 Girl’s National Team to the FIBA Championship next month. A sense of community and connectedness underpins everything we do at Hanley’s Farm, and we are grateful for this opportunity which allows us to contribute to the people and groups that enrichen everyday lives. We wish the team the best of luck and look forward to cheering them on.”
Lane says that the logistics – and associated costs – of sending a sports team overseas have increased dramatically over the last few years, due to Covid and its subsequent effect on the economy.
“While BBNZ covers much of the event costs including the provision of coaches, uniforms and organising all of the trip itself, there are also costs which fall on the players themselves.
“It’s a reality with our age groups – as it is across all other sports in New Zealand – that players need to bear some of the costs of their travel and accommodation for major trips like this; many athletes and their families do a fantastic job of fundraising to meet these costs, although we recognise it can be a barrier for some.
“That is where the support of Hanley’s Farm makes a huge difference to these athletes, making it easier for them to participate in this major international tournament – which for many is also their first big step towards pursuing basketball as a career.”
With several exciting international competitions scheduled for 2023 and beyond, BBNZ welcomes brands interested in partnering with any of BBNZ’s age group teams to connect with our GM Commercial, Dave Everitt at dave@nz.basketball.
About Hanley’s Farm
Hanley’s Farm is a master-planned development located on Jack Hanley Drive in Queenstown, that invites residents to enjoy simple, modern living in an extraordinary setting. Find out more at hanleysfarm.nz
U15 Girl’s National Team for 2022 FIBA Oceania Champs
Anaiya Nelson, Waikato Basketball
Bailey Flavell, Harbour Basketball
Eden Tapsell, Tauranga City Basketball
Emma Rogers, Tauranga City Basketball
Emma-Kaye Schroeder, Harbour Basketball
Keija Miringaorangi, Waikato Basketball
Kodee Williams-Sefo, Harbour Basketball
Pahlyss Hokianga, Basketball Hawke’s Bay
Sophia Hickey, Outside NZ
Storey Sadler, Basketball Hawke’s Bay
Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna, Rotorua Basketball
Zenthia Stowers, Harbour Basketball
Reserves
Ashleigh Tuumaialu, Counties-Manukau Basketball
Graecyn Parahi, Basketball Hawke’s Bay
Jessie Whinwray, Outside NZ
Maggie Manson, Southland Basketball
Mya Tipene-Tagoai, Hutt Valley Basketball
Anahera Worsfold, Northland
Coaching & Staff
Mel Bennett – Head Coach
Sarah Molisa – Assistant Coach
Francis Tilly – Assistant Coach
Courtney Wilson – Physio
Maine Mareko-Johnson – Team Manager
Dr Courtney Storm – Team Doctor
