Banjo’s help future JackJumpers rise to the top

Tasmania’s junior basketballers will be the real breadwinners from a new 3-year community partnership between Banjo’s Bakery Café and the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Banjo’s Bakery Café will become the naming rights Partner of a number of new and continuing community clinics and programs, engaging with more than 2,500 children each year and supporting the next generation of young athletes to strive to play for the JackJumpers.

“Community is at the heart of our business. The majority of our 44 stores are located in regional areas and we want to help engage and inspire kids to pursue their basketball dreams” CEO and Managing Director, Jess Saxby said.

Banjo’s will become the naming rights Community Partner of the JackJumpers School Holiday Clinics, Elite Basketball Pathways Program and Basketball Adventures with Jack the Jumper program.

“We’re really pleased to be able to further expand our community program and create ongoing and sustainable clinics and programs that reach all corners of the State” JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said.

Banjo’s will provide catering and treats for both participants and parents as part of some clinics, as well as providing prize packs including bucket hats, t-shirts, drink bottles and basketballs.

“Kids need plenty of fuel, especially for full day clinics, so we’re delighted to provide healthy and delicious food to keep their energy levels up” Saxby said.

“We haven’t forgotten about the parents and carers either! We recognise there’s countless hours spent driving around and at basketball courts watching their kids, so we’ll have coffee vouchers and treats for the adults as well which I’m sure will be well received”.

The new partnership will begin from April 2023 and enable almost 70 events across the state.

“Community is at the core of our organisation and ensuring Tasmanian kids have meaningful pathways and opportunities is incredibly important” Finnegan said.

“At some stage, all of our players went to clinics or programs in their youth and were inspired to pursue a professional basketball career so we’re thrilled to be able to provide more opportunities for Tasmanian kids to progress their skills, but most importantly have fun!”.

Banjo’s will also become the presenting partner of the Game Day Guard of Honour, giving children of all ages a unique and thrilling opportunity to stand on the court at home games and welcome the JackJumpers team onto court as part of the pre-game entertainment, as well as the JackJumpers Family Day which last year attracted over 1,200 people in Hobart.

“Family Day is a fantastic day in the calendar for our community to come together and connect with the players and our partnership family. It’s fantastic to have Banjo’s on board for the next three years to help further expand these special days and their reach” Finnegan said.