GameAbove Sports is proud to share new impact findings from the Bruton Basketball Foundation Powered by GameAbove Sports, highlighting the Foundation’s leadership in delivering meaningful youth and community programs throughout Australia in 2025. Through a partnership built on shared values of empowerment, cultural connection, and opportunity, BBF reached more than 500 young people across three states using basketball as a catalyst for growth and belonging.

Throughout the year, the Foundation executed three major initiatives that carried the “Powered by GameAbove” designation. GameAbove Sports supported these efforts by amplifying program visibility, helping expand access, and standing behind BBF’s mission to create safe, inclusive environments for youth.

Three National Programs Delivered Across Australia

• Inaugural Mark Manado Basketball Tournament — Broome, WA: Held July 15–17, 2025, at the Broome Recreation & Aquatic Centre, the inaugural tournament honored the legacy of a respected community leader while uniting more than 300 participants. The three-day program included basketball clinics, facility upgrades, and a community dinner, resulting in increased youth engagement at the Broome Youth and Family Hub (BYFH) Drop-In Centre. For GameAbove Sports, supporting this initiative reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to uplift remote communities and open long-term pathways for young people.
• SSANBA National Classic — Canberra, ACT: From July 4–6, 2025, the Foundation partnered with the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association (SSANBA) to support its premier national tournament. The event drew more than 1,300 participants and 28 teams, celebrating South Sudanese culture through competition, a Dunk Contest, and a Cultural Showcase.

To underscore the significance of this partnership, Garang, President of South Sudanese Basketball ACT, shared: “Without BBF Powered by GameAbove, we would not have been able to deliver this tournament to the scale that we did. Thanks to the support, no player missed out. All volunteers received special t-shirts. We are not only grateful for the financial support, but working with Nadia and receiving her help and advice, and having Cal as a guest speaker was also a huge help for the delivery of such a successful event. Thank you, BBF and GameAbove!”

GameAbove’s presence increased visibility and awareness of the event, helping elevate a flagship multicultural tournament that strengthens both identity and community pride.

• Cultural and Youth Development Camp — Geelong, VIC: Held October 18–19, 2025, the Geelong Cultural and Youth Development Camp connected over 100 youth from diverse backgrounds through basketball skills sessions, cultural exchange, and community games. Local youth services led relationship-building activities that enhanced confidence, teamwork, and social connection, creating a welcoming environment for young people to learn and grow.

National Reach and Measurable Outcomes

Across all programs, the Bruton Basketball Foundation delivered impact that included:

• More than 500 young people engaged
• 60+ volunteers and coaches supporting program delivery
• Three major community events across Western Australia, the ACT, and Victoria
• Facility enhancements at the Broome Recreation & Aquatic Centre
• Expanded partnerships with Indigenous, multicultural, and community-based organizations

These milestones reflect the Foundation’s leadership and its ongoing commitment to providing culturally grounded, community-led programs that empower young people.

Nadia Pessarossi, Director and Chair of the Bruton Basketball Foundation, added: “Our partnership with GameAbove Sports continues to strengthen our ability to reach young people who need support, connection, and opportunity. These programs demonstrate what can be achieved when community organizations and committed partners come together with a shared purpose.”

"The Bruton Basketball Foundation continues to demonstrate what’s possible when community, culture, and opportunity come together,” said Chao Sun, Vice President of Investments and Giving at GameAbove. “We are honored to support their work and to stand beside an organization so deeply committed to uplifting young people across Australia. This partnership reflects our belief that sport is one of the most powerful vehicles for empowering the next generation.”

GameAbove Sports and the Bruton Basketball Foundation will continue to explore new program opportunities in 2026, building on a shared mission to expand access, strengthen community connections, and bring forth greatness in young people across Australia.