Basketball star to hold development day in Turangi

The Turangi-Tongariro Community Board support the request from Tall Black Paora Winitana to hold a basketball development day for local youth on Wednesday 15th July.

Chairman Clr Don Ormsby said “the Board applaud this initiative and are more than happy to lend their support by waiving the hireage fees for the Community Hall. Tia’s father Nephi New was well known in the area and was passionate about basketball,” he said.

Mr Winitana has distinguished himself many times over the years and was in the Tall Blacks team that won silver medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. His wife, Tia is from the Turangi area and they are spending some time at home with whanau before leaving to go overseas.

Mr Winitana said while they are here, it is a good opportunity to do something for the community and get involved with local youth who are interested in basketball, “this is where my wife is from and we love this place. We are only here for a short time, in fact we are flying out the next day, but we are really keen to have a look at the local talent and pass on our passion for the game.”

“We hope to attract at least 40 or 50 people along on the day to have a play, learn a few skills and get up close and personal with a Tall Black. A couple of other coaches have agreed to come along and help out, so it will be a full-on fun day,” he said.

Details will be publicised over the local radio stations.