They may normally be worlds apart, but together they are having a ball. Daniela Tomaselli slam dunks with help from Mozambique basketballer Amelia Macamo.
– Shaun Inguanzo
IT’S NOT a sight shoppers can expect to see too often – the Mozambique female basketball team at the Dandenong Plaza centre court entertaining the crowd as part of the lead-up to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
But judging by the smiles on faces, it was the perfect way to kick-off the school holiday period.
Mozambique is the City of Greater Dandenong’s adopted Commonwealth Games team, and just days prior to this week’s Opening Ceremony, a handful of athletes from the African country’s team visited the Plaza to promote the partnership.
The meet-and-greet opportunity was capped off with prizes for lucky bystanders.
Last Thursday, the Mozambique women’s basketball team played the Melbourne Tigers wom-en’s team in a practice match at St Kilda.
Council’s library, arts and heritage services manager Karen Ward-Smith said the Mozambique team’s appearance promoted the goodwill message of the Games.
“These athletes have come a long way to represent their country. This is a great opportunity to make them feel at home in their adopted city,” she said.
“The Games are a celebration of cultural diversity. Greater Dandenong has a strong multicultural heritage, which we can display by embracing Mozambique as our adopted city.”
