Australia - WNBL season launch

From www.sportsaustralia.com
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The 2007/08 Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season was officially launched today, with Defence signing on for a second year as the league’s naming rights sponsor.

With the inclusion of two new teams – Bendigo Spirit and Christchurch Sirens – the competition expands to ten teams and promises to be one of the best seasons in the 27 year history of the League.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson officially launched the season, praising the WNBL for providing an opportunity for women to advance through skill in their chosen field.

“The women in this league show where team work, drive and a healthy lifestyle can take you,” Mr Billson said.

Emceed by ABC commentator and ADF WNBL Life Member Narelle Fletcher, the launch featured a short 3-on-3 exhibition game between WNBL players Kathleen McLeod, Desi Glaubitz and Emily McInerny and members of the Australian Defence Force women’s basketball association team.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin welcomed the launch attendees and thanked the Australian Defence Force for their continued support of Australian women's basketball.

FIBA World Championship MVP Penny Taylor acted as coach of the ADF WNBL team for the exhibition game while her World Championship Gold Medallist team mate Kristi Harrower coached the ADF team.

“This will be one of the strongest and closest WNBL seasons,” said Basketball Australia’s General Manager of National teams and competitions, Lorraine Landon.

“Every team has players who have represented their country and the talent pool in this competition leaves the game in such a fantastic state.

“The WNBL had produced the likes of Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Rachel Sporn and Michele Timms and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Round One commences at 5:00pm (AEST) on this Friday evening, with Christchurch Sirens taking on Townsville Fire at the Westpac Centre in Christchurch and ends with Bendigo Spirit debuting against Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night.

The ABC will broadcast the 2007/08 ADF WNBL season for a 16th consecutive year, making it the longest running broadcast partnership in Australian women’s sport.