New Philip Matsumoto Sports Courts officially opened
Published on 28 October 2020
The new Philip Matsumoto Sports Courts were officially opened today by WA Sports Minister Mick Murray.
The $1.94 million project, funded by the State Government, has seen a new home for basketball and netball at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
The Shire of Broome Council resolved to transfer the naming of the courts, the Philip Matsumoto Sports Courts, to the BRAC facility at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday evening.
Councillor Fiona West, who represented the Shire at the event, said the facility was an asset for Broome and paid homage to Cr Matsumoto as one of her mentors.
"Research conducted by the Shire late last year shows a dramatic increase in sports participation in our town - female participation has increased by an amazing 57 per cent in two years, while sports club membership has jumped by 45 per cent since 2017," she said.
"The Shire is acutely aware of the need to cater for this demand and this amazing new facility helps ensure that.
"It is fitting that the courts have been named the Philip Matsumoto Courts.
"My fellow Councillor has recently been awarded a WALGA long service award for over 25 years in local government – Councillor Matsumoto has been an unbelievable advocate for Broome in that time and has played an important role in establishing basketball in our town."
Minister Murray said the Broome facility would be the benchmark for similar infrastructure elsewhere in Western Australia.
"Sport and recreation plays such an important part in both the culture of the region and in providing opportunities for local young people to participate in positive and healthy physical activity," he said.
"The new floodlighting and cover over the basketball and netball courts is a much-needed addition to this facility when considering the unique climate in this part of the country, allowing use all year round and at all times of the day."
The construction work was undertaken by local builder Colin Wilkinson Developments.