Victoria Metro took out the 2010 Ivor Burge National Basketball Championship held in Gawler, South Australia February 20-27. This made it a hatrick of titles for the team, following success in 2008 and 2009.

This year the CFMEU helped the boys get kitted out and the union logo was seen on the winners podium.

Congratulations to all the players and their support team, including coach, CFMEU member Garry Barker.  

The Ivor Burge Championships are the national basketball championships for players with an Intellectual Disability.

Union Backed
Garry was impressed by how hard the boys worked to meet their goal, with training starting as far back as Grand Final Day and fundraising including selling sausages outside Bunnings. The support of sponsors like the CFMEU was warmly appreciated.

"There were occassions when the guys had to wear their official gear, but whenever they could they'd get around in the training kit with the union crest on it," says Garry who found a bit of union philosphy came in handy as well.

"I told them united we'd conquer and divided we'd fall and they stuck at it and proved me right."

Power Assist runs a basketball league for Melbourne's intellectually disabled community and welcomes new players. Games are held on Friday evenings in Hawthorn and Kew. For details visit www.powerassist.org.au or call Vern Tessier on 0418 345 268.