Australia’s greatest basketballer of all time Lauren Jackson AO said the nation was waiting with excited anticipation to see the Tasmania Jewels debut in the WNBL this year.
Jackson will be in Tasmania next week to headline the Solstice Energy International Women’s Day lunch hosted by the Tasmania Jewels, Tasmania Devils and Hobart Hurricanes.
“There’s so much excitement and anticipation for the Jewels to come into the league,” the five-time Olympian said.
“They’ll build on the rich history of basketball across Tasmania and the success of the JackJumpers for sure, but they’ll carve their own identity too.
“We’re all just so excited to see where Free Agency goes, who the Jewels sign up in the next couple of months and to see the start-up and line-up take shape.
“I know if I was playing for the Jewels, I’d want to prove a point that we can be the same as the guys, that the Jewels are here to win, so just watch this space.”
Jackson said she expected the return of Tasmania to the WNBL would inspire the next generation.
“It’s one thing to have WNBL on TV, but it’s another thing entirely for the kids to have a chance to see the stars playing and to meet their heroes each week,” Jackson said.
“The visibility is so important. When we support elite women athletes, we support the girls and boys looking up to them too.
“I can’t wait to be there in Tassie, to see the Jewels play their first game later this year.”
The Solstice Energy International Women’s Day Lunch be held on Wednesday March 4, celebrating the achievements of women in sport, leadership, and the community, and aligning with this year’s International Women’s Day global theme of Give to Gain.
In addition to Jackson’s keynote, the lunch will include a panel discussion including Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Co-Owner and Director Victoria Denholm, Tasmania Devils Football Club Chief Marketing Officer Kath McCann and Hobart Hurricanes Championship winning Captain Elyse Villani.
Tickets and further information are available via this link. Ticket sales will close 5pm Thursday 26th February (unless sold out prior).
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