Jim's a role model on and off the court

Already wearing his state colours with pride, Minda client Jim took his game to the next level by hitting the courts of the annual Ivor Burge Basketball Championship as captain of one of the two South Australian teams.

Jim says he was thrilled with the honour of leading his side throughout the tournament held in Mackay in Queensland.

“It made me feel really good, it was my first time being captain and I enjoyed taking on the responsibility of that role and trying to look out for everyone,” Jim says.

“I looked after them and told them what to do on court and tried to be a role model on and off the court.”

Run in conjunction with the Under-20s National Championship earlier this month, the Ivor Burge is the Australian championship for athletes with an intellectual disability and named after one of the founding fathers of the game in Australia.

“I’ve done state basketball for a few years now since I was 13 or 14, it has been a really great honour to achieve a high level,” Jim says.

“I enjoy teamwork, I like to keep fit and making new friends and meeting new people, going to new places but also trying to improve my skills.”

While results didn’t fall the way of Jim and his teammates in SA Blue, they were still able to be courtside to cheer on the SA Red team which triumphed in the gold medal match, making it three in a row for that side.

And Jim loved the whole tournament experience.

“Mackay has great scenery and we did some sight-seeing. I had family up there and they came to support me and watch me play so it was really fun.

“I’m looking forward to more tournaments, next year is in Mackay again so I’ll be training for that was well as practicing on my own to improve.”