Championship-winning partnership extended for JCU Townsville Fire

Under the agreement, James Cook University will continue to be the Principal Partner of the JCU Townsville Fire until at least the 2018/19 season, which will be the fifth year of their partnership.

JCU Vice Chancellor, Professor Sandra Harding said the university is thrilled to continue its support of the WNBL champions.

“The JCU Townsville Fire are wonderful ambassadors for the city, the region, and women’s sport.”

“They are the first professional sporting team in north Queensland to win a championship, and we have cheered them on as they have secured back-to-back titles over the past two years.”

“We are proud to be extending our partnership with the JCU Townsville Fire, and look forward to working closely with the team,” Professor Harding said.

The chair of JCU Townsville Fire, Michelle Morton said the two-time reigning WNBL champions were excited to be extending their partnership with JCU following two successful seasons – on and off the court.

“The Fire is delighted to have extended our partnership with JCU, which has proven so successful over the past two years,” Ms Morton said.

“As our Principal Partner, JCU is embedded within our club and has proven a wonderful ally in support of our players, coaches and administrators, while also providing meaningful research opportunities through their Work Integrated Learning programme.

“The Fire is looking forward to our partnership continuing well into the future and the successful implementation of a school-based programme that will promote tertiary education, as well as healthy living, leadership qualities and making positive life choices.”

JCU strongly supports the team’s focus on providing strong, healthy role models for girls and women. Under the partnership, JCU will continue to offer scholarships to the Fire’s players who wish to undertake tertiary study.

“We know there is so much to be gained from linking elite sport to educational success. We believe both organisations can work together to provide leadership for girls to help lift their aspirations,” Professor Harding said.

JCU is a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network, which provides support for athletes to help balance sport and study.

Professor Harding said it’s crucial that athletes be able to combine their sporting and academic aspirations.

The JCU Townsville Fire has excelled in the WNBL in recent years, winning the 2014/15 and 2015/16 Premierships.