Maningrida crowns 2025 basketball champions

After 20 solid rounds, the  Maningrida basketball competition wrapped up with the grand finals on Friday, 24 October. 
The Women’s game saw Sparks take the win over Burduk, and in the Men’s game, the Grizzlies came out on top against the Jets. It was a massive night for the community with great energy, barbecue, and plenty of good sportsmanship all around.
The competition was supported by West Arnhem Regional Council’s Youth, Sport & Recreation team, NTG Sports, Njamarleya, Traditional Owners, local church group, and the wider Maningrida community.
The grand finals was a great opportunity celebrate the end of the basketball season and bring the community together through sport.
More than 300 people came out to watch and cheer. Council worked alongside Traditional Owners, Community Elders, the church mob Elders, NTG Sports, and Njamarleya, who helped with the barbecue and crowd support. 
Mayor James Woods and Traditional Owners and Leaders also joined in to present the trophies and medals, which made the night even more special.
It’s been a big 20 rounds, and to see the community turn out like this makes it all worth it. 
The energy, the teamwork, and the pride on everyone’s faces that’s what keeps us going. Over the past few prelims rounds we’ve had between 300 to 400 people turn up, which really shows how important sport is for this community. 
These games aren’t just about basketball, they bring people together, create connection, and show what community spirit really looks like here in Maningrida.