It was six-year-old Levi Andrew's obsession and determination which helped him win the under 9s mixed basketball MVP award at the Noongar Junior Basketball Carnival.
The carnival was held over Easter weekend and hosted 35 teams from Geraldton and Albany and ranged from nine years-old to 19.
It was the first time for the carnival to be held in Bunbury, with event organiser Kandice Hart saying she got the idea after participating in a similar event last year in Waroona.
Levi's mother, Lara, wasn't aware that the event was open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people until she got a call asking to put forward a team.
She said it was a great event because her son could play basketball all year round if he had the choice.
The under 9s team was the youngest category, but that didn't matter for Levi who was one of the smallest on the court.
Levi said he likes scoring points and taking the ball off his opponent.
His mum added that Levi loved playing with friends and the community spirit it brings.
Hart said Levi was a little gun to be able to compete with the older players and take out the MVP.
"He has a bright future ahead of him," she said.
At the end of the three day carnival the umpires scored each player and decided on who received the MVP for each category.
Lara was also coach of the team and focused on all the players that she was surprised to hear her son had received the award.
Lara said she hoped the carnival would be bigger and better next year.
She said it would also be great to see another winter basketball carnival held for juniors as there wasn't anything available at the moment.
Hart said it was overwhelming seeing how the carnival was put together and while there were some challenges, they have provided lessons for next year.
She aimed for it to be an event that focused on Indigenous players, but was open to everyone as a way for people to come together.
"The highlight was seeing everyone have fun and the smiles on their faces," she said.
Hart received a lot of good feedback so was hopeful the event would be back next year, she said.
Hart said the event would not have been a success without the sponsors and everyone who helped behind the scenes.
Do you have a great sport success story? Let us know by contacting Jemillah Dawson on 0428 252 083 or emailing jemillah.dawson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Jemillah Dawson
I started as a journalist in 2011 and now manage mastheads in the South West of WA. My passion is politics and sport. I believe we are the voice for the community but also we inform the community of what they need to know. Email jemillah.dawson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I started as a journalist in 2011 and now manage mastheads in the South West of WA. My passion is politics and sport. I believe we are the voice for the community but also we inform the community of what they need to know. Email jemillah.dawson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
