Jason Smith, Basketball Australia Director
[From 1999 to 2009, Smith played for the Australian men's nationaal basketball team, the Boomers. He represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games as well as the 2006 Commonwealth Games and Captained the Boomers at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan]
[Cairns Post 05/08/2023]
“We were looking for a warmer climate to do some of our preparations in to get the guys acclimatised and environmentally ready for when we go to Japan, and when we make the finals they're at Manilla, where it's hot, and we wanted to try to replicate that type of environment," said BA director of national teams and former Boomer Jason Smith.
“I've been talking Geoff (Mayes, head of sport) and Anthony (Easton, vice principal) about what our needs were of a facility and if they could accommodate our sometimes fairly onerous requests, and they've been incredible to accommodate us," Smith said.
“Not only is the facility unbelievable and fitting for what we need as far as the space, state of the art floor … they've been just so easy and great to work with.
“When you get a combination like that, you want to take advantage of it.
“It's ticked every box for us, and we're extremely lucky and fortunate they've been accommodating to us."
Kelvin Samson, Houston Cougars Coach
[7News 10/08/2023]
“I've been to Hawaii, Costa Rica and all over. This is as nice a place as we've been. It is just awesome here. I can see why they are training here."
Look at what we offer..
Bou-Wa, the Centennial Hall is now a favourite venue for Australian Basketball's BOOMERS national squad.
Your sporting, cultural or service organisation is welcome to make Bou Wa your home venue.
Suitable for great functions, weddings or conference
Or maybe you want to train an Olympic Squad?
Architechturally designed to meet the teaching/learning and co-curricular needs of the Cairns State High community, we purposefully created a large uninterrupted space which had simplicity in design so that it can be dressed for any occasion - or not.
As home for the training camp in August 2023, the Australian Boomers made the most of the three full size courts, enjoyed using the stage area as a fitness and medical space, as well as the airconditioned change room and toilet facility, which, accessed from the stage, provided privacy and comfort. On top of this, ample storage, a canteen area with freezer, microwave and an ice maker just off the entrance provide clean and spacious support spaces. The main entry is fully security screened, protecting the squad from prying eyes.
