SCHOOL BASKETBALL STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

School basketballers from all over Queensland will converge on Bundaberg this weekend for the Queensland School Sport 12 years-and-under Basketball Championships.

Male and female teams will contest the championships at the Bundaberg Basketball Stadium, YMCA and Shalom College from Saturday 21 July until Tuesday 24 July.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the rising young basketball stars had been selected from thousands of hopefuls to represent their sport region at state level.

"I want to congratulate each of the players on their selection and I wish them every success both on and off the court," Mr Welford said.

“Two hundred young Queenslanders will be taking part in the four-day event and each one has been selected for his or her talent and skill.”

Ten school sporting regions will be represented at this year's championships – Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, Wide Bay, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Northern, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Mr Welford said the championships provided the young athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated teachers and school staff who have given considerable time and effort to make the championship an ongoing success,” he said.

Ten female students and 10 male students will be selected from the event to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Cairns next month.