Mackay Basketball are very proud to present the artwork piece and associated story that has inspired the design of our uniforms for the NBL1 First Nations Round being played this Friday night at McDonald’s Mackay Stadium.

A Journey to the Stars

By Charli Bliss (2022)

The colours – Red, Black & White represents the Mackay Basketball representative colours.

The four mountain/cloud symbols at the bottom represent the representative grades that I have had the opportunity to play within Mackay Basketball (U12, 14, U16, U18).

For me, to be selected in each age group was a challenge. I needed to train harder than anyone as the skills and technique of the game didn’t come easy for me, it was as hard as climbing a steep mountain, but with dedication and commitment I improved and managed to climb over it and receive representative status.

The circle above the mountains represents the NBL 1 Competition, a pathway I managed to take and currently fortunate enough to be given this opportunity.

The Black U symbols surrounding the NBL1 circle represents the gathering of people who have supported me and continue to support me, my coaches, the staff, my teammates, my local club, my friends, my family but most importantly the Mackay community.

There are a several paths that exit the NBL1 circle, these are paths that I can choose to take moving forward however, my dream is to reach for the WNBL which is represented at the top half circle.

These smaller “u” symbols on this larger half circle are the number of people involved at that elite level, not just players, staff, family & friends but also includes the fans around Australia.

Realistically, I am not sure where my basketball journey will take me, what path I will take, but definitely not holding any regrets. I’ll just keep training hard and continue to enjoy the game I love the most and see where it takes me.