Victorian basketballers unite for road safety message
Thousands of Victorian basketballers, from local juniors to elite stars, are stepping up as road safety ambassadors this month as Basketball Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) hold the first Basketball Road Safety Round.
From now until 1 February, players, coaches and supporters across the state will don the recognisable ‘Band Together’ armbands to honour lives lost on Victorian roads and show their commitment to safer driving.
The campaign forms part of a new partnership between the TAC and Basketball Victoria, designed to empower Victorian teams, clubs and associations to share critical road safety messages within their communities, working together to build a stronger road safety culture.
This year’s focus is on the dangers of speed, where clubs will spread the message – ‘Be the Difference’ and ‘Make the right choice. Slow down on the road’.
The initiative is part of a new broader sports engagement program launched by the TAC, including Road Safety Rounds and a Club Participation Program with Cricket Victoria and Football Victoria, as well as Basketball Victoria.
The multi-code campaign will strengthen road safety advocacy among more than 1,700 clubs statewide and offer community clubs the opportunity to receive merchandise and vouchers worth $40,000 per sport by demonstrating their commitment to promoting road safety.
Elite teams are also throwing their support behind Basketball Road Safety Round, with NBL’s Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets playing a Road Safety Round game in Bendigo on Wednesday, while WNBL’s Bendigo Spirit will host the UC Capitals in the name of road safety on Friday.
For more information on the TAC Club Participation Program, visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/current-sponsorships/sports-program.