Friday night September 14 saw 130 Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames supporters gather at The Grandstand Restaurant, situated on the grounds of the University of Sydney, for the 2012 Flames Olympians dinner.
The dinner, themed differently each year, was this year focused on recognising past and current Flames Olympians and offered a chance for Flames supporters to hear from their stars.
Former Olympians Karen Dalton (Flames Head Coach) and Alicia Poto (Flames Captain) were joined on a panel by Lorraine Landon, who was the Team Manager for the Australian women’s basketball team at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. Landon was also the Chief Executive Officer of the Bankstown Basketball Association between 1976-1988. She has had countless other associations with basketball in this country.
Two-time Olympian Karen Dalton spoke about the pleasure she takes in recognising the link that exists between the Flames and the Opals.
“I am proud to be involved in a program that has such an extensive history of Olympians that have come through the Flames program over the years,” said Dalton.
“No doubt the club have played an integral part in the success of these players.”
Earlier in the evening, the first panel saw a vigorous discussion take place between both former and current Flames representatives.
“It was a great night amongst friends, sponsors and supporters,” said Flames guard Lauren King.
“Last year’s function was a successful night, but this time round it was special to be amongst past Flames players who I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet before and Olympians from different era’s made the night so enjoyable.”
King was joined on the panel by new team mate Sarah Graham, formerly of the Logan Thunder; Sydney 2000 Olympic Games silver medallist and three time WNBL Championship Flames team member Annie Le Fleur; and 1993 WNBL Championship winning Flames representative Amanda Faulkner.
The Flames would like to thank all of the supporters and sponsors who attended a packed out venue, and to Luke and Michelle Mitchell at The Grandstand Restaurant for supporting the event and as sponsors of the Flames.
The Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames first WNBL fixture of the 2012/13 season sees them take on Canberra at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre (SUSAC) on Friday October 6.
To get your ticket or sign up to a Flames membership click here.
