On Saturday July 12th, Basketball Australia announced the winners of the 22nd Annual National Junior Basketball Awards. Building on his recent recognition by Basketball Victoria, Vern Tessier was awarded the Basketball Australia National award for Male Contribution to Basketball for Players with an Intellectual Disability. The press items reads as follows:
Vern is the founder of the Victorian Championship Basketball Competition for Players with an Intellectual Disability, which has been running for more than 25 years. He has dedicated an enormous amount during this time to ensure the competition runs smoothly and is welcoming and inclusive to all participants. He is a mentor for encouraging mainstream basketball players to go on to support the intellectually disabled community, and makes a difference to the lives of over 250 intellectually disabled people and their families every week. He is also responsible for providing pathways for athletes to both participate and represent at state and national levels.
Congratulations to Vern, who’s contribution is incredible, inspiring and very worthy of this recognition.