Sports fans invited to Razorbacks 10th birthday

5 December 2007

 

The Westbus West Sydney Razorbacks are turning 10 and sports fans are invited to help the team celebrate at a BBQ at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 16 December.

 

The West Sydney Razorbacks’ 10th birthday BBQ will take place in the front foyer of the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre from 3.30pm and will feature stilt walkers, face painting and clowns, prior to their game against the Cairns Taipans (tip-off is 5.00pm).

 

It will be a double celebration as the occasion will also mark a decade of Integral Energy’s partnership with the Razorbacks, Integral Energy’s Manager, Corporate and Government Affairs, Kate McCue, said.

 

“The Razorbacks are Western Sydney’s home grown team in the National Basketball League, consistently inspiring young people to participate in sport and lead healthy lifestyles,” Ms McCue said.

 

“Sports fans are invited to help the team celebrate their 10th birthday in the NBL on Sunday 16 December.

 

“Integral Energy has proudly supported the Razorbacks since day one, making this one of our longest running corporate sponsorships.

 

“We’d like to congratulate the Razorbacks management and team on reaching this significant milestone and sincerely wish them all the best for this season and in the future,” she said.

 

The Razorbacks’ birthday BBQ will be an opportunity for the Razorbacks to celebrate their 10th anniversary and the dedicated support of their fans, West Sydney Razorbacks CEO Robbie Cadee said.

 

“It has been an amazing decade with plenty of great times and some not so great,” Mr Cadee said.

 

”But among the things that stand out is the rare loyalty and longevity of Integral Energy’s support; support that has been crucial to the club. It speaks volumes about their commitment and character as an organisation.

 

“The key to our partnership has been energetic community participation.

 

“Integral Energy has worked side-by-side with us to help us promote a healthy, sport participation lifestyle to kids, and our players have been fantastic and enthusiastic in getting out and coaching and nurturing enthusiasm for sport and fun.

 

“This is a special occasion for the West Sydney Razorbacks so we’re hoping to have a big turn-out to make it an exciting and memorable celebration,” he said.

 

Fast facts:

 

• Granted a National Basketball League licence in 1997, the Razorbacks originated from the West Sydney Slammers.
• Integral Energy was the foundation sponsor of the Razorbacks club.
• The Razorbacks played their first NBL season in 1998-99.
• They played their first NBL game on 10 October 1998, defeating the Sydney Kings 103-97.
• The team made history in season 2001-02 becoming the first Sydney team in the NBL’s 24 year history to contest the NBL grand finals. (The Adelaide 36ers went on to win the championship with a 2-1 result in the best-of-three series).
• The Razorbacks were coached for their first six seasons by Gordie McLeod (now coach of Singapore).
• Derek Rucker was the original captain of the Razorbacks. Others to have captained the team include Sam Mackinnon and Scott McGregor.
• Trimedia bought the club in mid-2007 from previous owners, the Canterbury Leagues Club.