A Point Cook basketballer has been recognised for his leadership, respect, fair play and unity in a recent basketball tournament.
Anei Dut, 21, received the Uniting Values Players award by Victoria Police in the South Sudanese National Basketball Tournament at Eagle Stadium earlier this month.
The annual tournament is a multicultural basketball tournament involving 600 players from 50 teams from across Australia.
“It’s a real privilege to receive this award,” Anei said. “There were other players I think deserved it more … everybody really gave it their best, so I’m proud to be picked.”
The part-time model, who also studies personal training, no longer plays basketball regularly but is considering a return to the courts. “I’m thinking about it,” he said.
Anei said the tournament was a great opportunity for the broader Sudanese community to come together.
“It’s an amazing event. Everybody gets together and it’s a lot of fun,” he said.
“I get to catch up with cousins that I don’t see all year.”
Victoria Police community engagement Inspector Stephen Mutton said the organisation was proud to support the tournament.
“The tournament has been running for 12 years and it provides an opportunity for male and female players from across Australia to develop their skills and compete in a fun, friendly atmosphere,” he said.
“Victoria Police has supported many sports events over the years because we believe having young people participating in team sports develops important life skills including sportsmanship, discipline and team work. It’s also an opportunity to connect and engage with the South Sudanese community.”
