Douglas Heat Basketball Club is growing in leaps and bounds in its inaugural year, both on and off the court.

The junior basketball club, which plays Wednesday afternoons at Port Douglas cyclone shelter, has amassed around 50 primary school-aged players, acquired major sponsors and started fundraising for its future viability.

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, QT Port Douglas Resort, Pullman Sea Reef Golf and Country Club and Salsa Bar and Grill have signed on as major sponsors for 2013 to enable playing kits to be purchased for a weekly intra-club competition. Cornett’s IGA Port Douglas has also jumped on board, helping to fit out the club’s new canteen and contributing to a sausage sizzle at IGA on July 21, which raised more than $500 for the club.

Players and coaches have welcomed visitors from the Cairns Taipans, Cairns Dolphins, and an exercise physiologist to training sessions, to demonstrate fundamentals in skills and stretching. Head coach of the SEABL’s Bendigo Braves, Ben Harvey, is also expected to host a coaching clinic in October.   

On behalf of the club, President Nick Gibson thanked major sponsors and volunteers, and encouraged more to get involved in moving the club forward. Anyone interested in playing, volunteering or sponsoring the club is encourage to attend Wednesday sessions or email douglasheatbasketballclub@hotmail.com.