Local businesses have snapped up the best seats in the house for a joint genU and Leisure Networks event designed to foster inclusion and community connection.  

Eight teams gathered at Try Boy Basketball Stadium for the return of Geelong’s Wheelchair Corporate Cup on Friday 27 June. 

Businesses literally wheeled out their big guns, competing in a round robin format, for the prestige of being the inaugural winner of the perpetual Kaye Colman Cup. 

Before the fun and games started, players and spectators fueled up with a delicious barbecue, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Bayside Geelong team. 

With genU clients and Leisure Networks customers in full voice cheerleading from the sidelines, there was plenty of competitive spirit on display, while DJ Fuzzy Logic kept the music pumping as the action unfolded on court.

Hamlan Homes Globe Rollers constructed a formidable team, trotting out a star-studded line-up, and the Harcourts North Geelong Hustlers owned the on-court real estate, taking the unofficial crown for best headwear and enthusiasm.  

Incitec Pivot were true to their name, with One Last Pivot proficient in posting up, while the Hamilton Group’s Chair Force One put on a presidential performance fit for Broadway.

Our genU Basket Brawlers punched above their weight but struggled to land the winning blow and the Leisure Network Lakers made a splash with their own version of Showtime.  

But it was Geelong United Basketball who took the honours, accepting the Kaye Colman Cup from Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, who also presented medals to first through third place getters.  

Leisure Networks Head of Strategic Partnerships & Special Projects Roxie Bennett and genU Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Claire Sime officially welcomed the on-court combatants and congratulated everyone for helping build community inclusion.

Claire said the event was about connection, education and sharing the unique of experience of “putting yourself in someone else’s wheels”.

“Geelong can be proud of its commitment to fostering inclusion over many years and openly supporting people with disability to make them feel genuinely part of the community,” Claire said. 

“We’ve seen the community embrace other initiatives like the Big Night Out and the Workplace Day Out, all aimed at creating as much inclusion as possible. 

“Every connection counts, and the new ones created today go a long way towards the inclusion we want to see in every corner of our communities.” 

Leisure Networks CEO David Meade said the event showed the power of sport to break down barriers, spark connections, and create a space where everyone can belong and thrive.

“Watching local businesses and people from all walks of life come together at the Wheelchair Corporate Cup was a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t just a goal, it’s a shared journey,” he said. 

Fundraising on the day will be split between supporting programs and initiatives run by both organisations to support people with disability, along with backing local athlete, Mitchell Bond. 

If you are interested in ‘rolling in’ for the 2026 Wheelchair Basketball Corporate Cup, please email genU Community Engagement & Partnerships Manager Joanne Forsmann joanne.forssman@genu.org.au. 

You can check out the genU Basket Brawlers highlights here.