Savannah Pride
WHAT IS SAVANNAH PRIDE?
Savannah Pride is a sport-for-development-based organisation dedicated to inspiring Australian youth with a focus on community and competitive sport participation, education and mentoring. Our programs use basketball as a foundation to connect and inspire young people in Western Sydney.
BASKETBALL
Our basketball programs range from community and competitive basketball to more specialised training focused on elite pathways for young players. We have dedicated programs for both boys and girls. Throughout all over our programs, our focus is to develop not only the technical skill and ability of our players, but to also build their life skills.
EDUCATION
We consider the education of our players just as important as their basketball skill development. For young people falling behind or struggling in school, they are expected to commit to a tuition program that assists them with their schoolwork. If they don’t study, they simply are not allowed to play.
About The Program
Founded in 2006, Savannah Pride was originally established by a small group of coaches and students from South Sudanese backgrounds to assist youth through their settlement journey and provide a positive outlet. Savannah Pride has grown to be an all-inclusive organisation that attracts young people from all walks of life regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.
This program provides a positive outlet for young people to channel their energy and grow, through well-rounded basketball programs, educational programs, homework support, mentoring and cultural guidance.
Savannah Pride takes a holistic approach to sport for development and works closely with families, schools and local police. Much like the Savannah tree, Savannah Pride believes that developing these deep roots and strong branches means our communities can take shade under the Savannah tree.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Savannah Pride is available to all young people who are committed to the mission of Savannah Pride’s program and abiding by our Code of Conduct. Membership is available for five age-based divisions:
- U12
- U14
- U16
- U18
- 18+
To join, please complete the membership form below and return it to reception at PCYC Mount Druitt.
enquire about Savannah pride
For any questions regarding Savannah Pride, please submit the form below, and our team will get back to your shortly.
SAVANNAH PRIDE BOARD
A life time involvement in all levels of basketball both in Sydney and Australia and internationally. An accomplished sports administrator well-versed in sports leadership from club to international level; General Manager of the Sydney Kings between 1988 and 1998; Competition Manager for basketball for the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics, was responsible for the delivery of the Olympic basketball competition and the wheelchair basketball, Awarded the IOC Golden Olympic Rings in recognition of services to basketball.
Awarded the FIBA Merit Award in November 2000 in recognition of management of the basketball competition in the Olympics. Appointed by FIBA in 2002 as the Commissioner for Women’s basketball. Was also awarded the IOC Women in Sport award in 2004 for contribution to basketball globally. Returned to the NBL and the Sydney Kings in 2012 and is General Manager, Operations.
Awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours in January 2011 and was inducted in the Sport of Australia Hall of Fame in October 2011.
Life Member of Basketball Australia, Basketball NSW and Bankstown Basketball and a member of Australian Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball NSW’s Hall of Fame.
Peter Nordstrom is a passionate basketball leader and coach. Peter was a player back in his home country Sweden and has been in Australia for many years. Peter has been the Chair of the Blacktown City Basketball Association since 2020 and has led the Blacktown Storm to be a strong representative in Sydney basketball.
Peter is an accomplished leader in business and managing people and is currently working in operations and building management. He has led major organisations both in Europe and Australia. He has exceptional people skills and has been a huge supporter of Savannah Pride for many years. Peter’s understanding of diverse communities is outstanding and he would bring great experience to the Savannah Pride board.
David has held high level management roles in sales and marketing, fundraising, and major international sports events.
Dedicated supporter of Savannah Pride since 2016. Director of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital since 2014; Director Basketball NSW since 2015; CEO of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation 2003-2014; CEO of Multiple Sclerosis Australia 2011-2003; Manager Volunteer Program 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games Life Member Basketball NSW and Apex Australia.
Dor Akech Achiek is the Group Head of Settlement Services at SSI, a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential. He sits on a number of advisory committees including NSW Office of Sports, UNHCR Global Refugee Advisory Group, Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR), African Alliance NSW, Lead Beyond Education and a dedicated community advocate for the South Sudanese community.
Dor is a former refugee from South Sudan who came to Australia in 2003 after 9 years living in Kakuma refugee camp as a result of war in the then Sudan.
Dor holds a master’s degree in international law and international Relations, a BA in Politics and International Relations, A Diploma of Community Services Coordination and a Diploma of Children Services.
Outside work, Dor is known for his commitment to community work which earned him the AMP Tomorrow Foundation’s award as one of the Tomorrow Makers for establishing and running the South Sudanese Youth Cultural Activities Program to engage young people from South Sudanese backgrounds living in the Western Sydney in cultural activities.
Former Senior NSW Police Commander, with 39 years’ experience across a broad range of duty in Field, Specialist and Corporate areas; Respected leader who has been recognised for community engagement initiatives, particularly amongst diverse cultural groups in the Western Sydney area; In 2010 he received a Humanitarian award by the Refugee Council of Australia and in 2012 received The Leadership Award from the Australian Institute of Public Administration. He has been actively involved with Savannah Pride for over ten years and is a current member of the Greater Western Sydney (GIANTS) AFL Integrity Committee.