The Southland Sharks bank on a wonderful family of sponsors every National Basketball League season and this year they are delighted to have iconic Southland institution, SBS Bank adorning the front of their playing uniforms.
Pictured: SBS Bank Group CEO Mark McLean (second from left) is flanked by Southland Sharks (left to right) Alonzo Burton, Jaylen Gerrand and Liam McRae.
SBS Bank has been one of Sharks Basketball’s key partners over recent seasons and in a challenging Covid-impacted environment, Sharks General Manager Jill Bolger said this increased level of support could not be timed better.
“Every sporting organisation has been impacted over the last few seasons so to have SBS Bank stepping up its support right now really does make a world of difference. It would be very easy for companies like theirs to stand still in times like these so to have them put their hand up to support in an even greater way speaks volumes for their commitment to our organisation and to Southland generally,” Bolger said.
“This support is not something we take for granted. We are here for our community and the support we receive from the business community locally is what allows us to do what we do. We love putting on a show nine times a year for our fans and that comes at a cost and with a lot of hard work by a great many people,” Bolger said.
SBS Group CEO, Mark McLean said it was an easy decision for his team to make given they are an existing partner and know the quality and calibre of the Sharks franchise well.
“We’re delighted to be increasing our support for the Southland Sharks this season. As a Southland bank, being able to support the local community and providing value back to our Members is an important part of our purpose – we believe in stepping up to get involved where we can and in this case it's Southland supporting Southland,” McLean said.
This support is even more vital, given the uncertainty that still exists around crowd numbers in indoor venues like ILT Stadium Southland, with the Sharks awaiting the Government’s direction prior to Easter.
Sharks Head Coach Rob Beveridge is putting the finishing touches on his squad for 2022 and having coached at the highest levels in Australasia throughout the years, knows better than anyone the importance of strong community and corporate support.
“I remain in awe of the level of support the Sharks receive from sponsors like SBS Bank, our community funders and our incredible fans in the stands. Basketball is like life, it really does take a village and I have no doubt that the support we enjoy across the whole Southland community is one of the major reasons our players come back year after year and is a massive part in the success of the Sharks over the years,” Beveridge said.
With every game broadcast live on Sky Sport this season, Sharks Fans won’t miss a minute of action but Bolger and Beveridge both remain hopeful that a good number of Sharks Fans will be in the stands when the season tips off on Friday 29th April.