After extensive consultations with state members and baskbetall players around the nation, and long-running negotiations with the Organising Committee for the Australian Deaf Games, Deaf Basketball is pleased to inform that baskbetall will feature at the 2016 Australian Deaf Games as a night sport. 

A critical plank for the sport to recover after a few disappointing years is to feature at the next Australian Deaf Games, and this announcement is a significant step towards achieving that. What is even more significant is that it will be at night, a slot that has been traditionally held for basketball in past Australian Deaf Games. Basketball will share the night slot with Futsal, an exciting and new sport that will be present for the 2nd time at the Australian Deaf Games, and will also share the same venue - Adelaide Arena, home of the Adelaide 36'ers in the National Basketball League. 

Deaf Basketball Australia President, Bryn Davies stated: "For our sport to come out of the depths, the Board identified it was very important that we position our sport as a feature sport during the Australian Deaf Games, and this agreement between DBA, Adelaide 2016 ADG Organising Committee and Adelaide Arena puts basketball fair and square in the spotlight during the Australian Deaf Games and continue the sport's rejuvenation in recent years - and creates a lot of excitement for our deaf and hard of hearing community to be active basketballers and lead healthy lifestyles."

The negotiations also surrounded the sport fee, and Adelaide Arena and the Organising Committee are to be commended for helping keep the sport fee as low as possible for a 6 night competition at a world class basketball facility. For further information on the sport fee, please visit the 2016 ADG website. 

Last week, the 2016 ADG Organsing Commitee's Event Manager, Caroline Conlon announced that the Early Bird deadline for Games Registrations has been extended from 30 April 2015 to 30 June 2015. This gives everyone TWO more months to get your registrations organised!!!  

Until 30 June 2015, prices are $155 for adults, $130 for concession and $110 for youth (aged between 13-17). For families, the price is $420 for two adults and two youths and $265 for one adult and two youths. Children aged 12 and under are free. 

The registration cost includes Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Games Hub Entry, Deaf Community Expo Entry, entry to all sports, entry to social/cultural events and a Games Registration Pack. (Bag, Cap, Lanyard, Sponsor items, tourist information, transport information & the Official Souvenir Games Program Guide.)

Sport fees are due by 30 September 2015 for basketball so you are able to register now to take advantage of the early bird registration and then pay your sports fee later if your state has not selected their athletes yet. 

 For more information about registering, you can visit http://austdeafgames.org.au/Registering-for-the-Games. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Caroline Conlon, the ADG 2016 Event Manager by email on caroline.conlon@austdeafgames.org.au or by SMS on 0401 538 552.