BASKETBALL'S universal appeal seemed the perfect fit for a group of Ballarat students to launch a sporting tournament sharing cultures - and simply a place to have fun.
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A group of VCAL students from SEDA College Ballarat, an applied learning program, led the play to bring young people from diverse background across Ballarat and the Wimmera to enjoy some hoops.
SEDA student Justin Carlson said basketball seemed a popular, easy way to help spark new friendships and an inclusive environment on court at Ballarat Sports and Events Centre these holidays.
"We live in a multicultural city and we want to make sure everyone gets along, no matter what the colour of their skin or their race," Mr Carlson said.
"This is also a good way for us to get out in the community and reach out to give back to our community, making sure every body is happy and having a good time."
Mr Carlson and four classmates created the Swish Intercultural basketball tournament as a school project. They identified a gap in sports opportunity for young people.
In turn, they hoped the fun round-robin tournament with a DJ would promote a safe space for participants to get involved more in the game in their community.
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The SEDA group teamed up with Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Centre for Multicultural Youth, City of Ballarat, Horsham Rural City Council, Sports Central, Basketball Ballarat, Victoria Police, The Y and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.
Mr Carlson said it good experience to put what they were learning in the classroom into action and working with other organisations to make the tournament happen.
The Y youth engagement coordinator Suze Larmer said it had been an impressive undertaking to create a meaningful event for young people to boost both mental and physical health.
"They've gone in with a mindset for young cultural diverse people in a space that is safe and culturally aware," Ms Larmer.
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