23/6/96
Western Australian basketball fans will benefit from the success of a crime prevention initiative introduced by the WA Police Service at the clash between the Australian and Italian basketball teams at the Perth Superdrome tomorrow night.
Police Minister Bob Wiese this afternoon presented a $3,000 Community Policing Grant to North West Sports Development on behalf of the Pundulmurra Academy of Sport as a contribution to the funds needed to stage the curtain-raiser to the international fixture.
Mr Wiese said the grant would help meet the costs associated with fielding basketball teams from the Pilbara and the Kimberley regions to play prior to the main event.
"The promotion of sporting activities plays an important role in the development of intervention programs for young people considered to be at risk of offending," he said.
"The funding has helped give athletes from the North-West an opportunity to further develop their basketball skills and police relations with young people in the more remote regions of our State have been enhanced."
Community policing grants are targeted at youth projects which have been developed as initiatives to prevent and reduce crime in an area.
"The grants are available through the Police Service and enable officers to embrace the community policing concept and become involved in the community as partners," Mr Wiese said.
"Both the Pilbara and the Kimberley regions have a long tradition in basketball and have produced many talented players. Participation in such an important event will have benefits for both the players and their community."
Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377
