Basketball
29 July, 2024
Sportsmanship highlights Inaugural Gary Bird Shield
The Inaugural Gary Bird Shield, an All-Abilities Basketball Tournament run by Horsham's Rebecca McIntyre in memory of her dad, was a roaring success on Sunday, July 28. All 35 participants enjoyed themselves. Bacchus Marsh won the shield, defeating one of the two Horsham Teams coached by Rebecca McIntyre by six points. (FREE READ)
The day, however, wasn't just about winning; it was about participation, with everyone enjoying themselves and having a memorable experience in a competition format.
McIntyre said it exceeded her expectations.
"It definitely exceeded expectations from everyone's perspective," McIntyre said.
"It was amazing and had a lot of memorable moments. The crowd, the support, the heartwarming messages of support, the excitement, and everyone pulling together to help were phenomenal, and it turned out exactly how I thought it would."
The sportsmanship on display was nothing short of remarkable, with photographer Emily Friedrichsen describing it as 'awesome.'
"The sportsmanship is amazing, and many people need to come out and see how they go about it, as it's special," Friedrichsen said.
McIntyre echoed those sentiments, pointing out a few different things that displayed that sportsmanship.
"Even though they were playing against each other, they would high-five each other, and if someone fell over, everyone would come and pick them up," McIntyre said.
"We had a participant in a wheelchair, and Josh Barry, a Warracknabeal athlete, wheeled him down the other end of the court to score. Everyone was making sure everyone was involved and cheering each other on. It's an amazing thing to witness.
"The camaraderie and seeing everyone come together is really appreciative and awesome to see."
Four teams played: Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo, two Horsham-based teams with a contingent from Warracknabeal.
McIntyre received a lot of feedback from players, who said they enjoyed themselves and that it was one of the best times they have had.
"They loved that they could compete, were so grateful for the day, and loved how organised it was," McIntyre said.
"For some of these people, it might be the thing they look forward to each week, and playing in front of a crowd, with people cheering them, made it the best time of their lives."
"We called each one out and played the National Anthem, and they had great opportunities to experience something different."
"My heart is full of gratitude, as these people have somewhere to play, and for some, it's the best day of their life."
"A lot of them can't wait to come back, and hopefully, next year, we can get more teams to come to Horsham next year."
Many people from the community popped in to support the event, for which McIntyre was grateful.
"A lot of people that came along to watch loved it, and they were so amazed and blown away by what happens behind the scenes and everyone go around it," McIntyre explained.
"Everyone was happy to be there, and it just reminded us of what we want to do: share the love for the game and each other."
McIntyre's father, Gary Bird, served on many committees and dedicated his life to inclusion and people with disabilities. He would have been proud of what his daughter, Rebecca, achieved on Sunday, as it was nothing short of remarkable.
Rebecca herself said her dad would be proud.
"You don't do it for personal glory, but for smiles and helping people out, and it makes my heart so full with how everyone enjoyed the day," McIntyre described.
"Everyone helped out from the canteen to scoring to umpiring and running the barbecue. They just did it to help, and Dad would have been proud and humbled to see everyone out there, having a go, as he was a real community person."
