Donations help Murray Bridge basketballer get to Melbourne tournament
The Cioffi family were struggling to meet the expense of going, sought help from the community, and the community delivered.
This post about a community cause is free to read. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories – subscribe today.
The Murray Bridge community have donated the money and tyres that Tom and Delilah Cioffi needed to take their son Kobe to the Nunawading 2023 basketball tournament.
So, now Kobe and his parents can safely travel to the Melbourne tournament.
The Cioffis are an admirable Aussie couple who work in Murray Bridge businesses, volunteer their time for the community and do all they can to support their children.
They’re also proud people who aren’t comfortable asking for help, but they felt they had no other choice after learning that their 10-year-old son Kobe was accepted into the Nunawading basketball tournament, starting on Saturday.
Murray Bridge News became aware of the Cioffis’ struggle and reached out to them in the hope that an article might help raise the necessary funds for Kobe to compete in the tournament.
That hope was well placed, with businesses/individuals who wish to remain anonymous making cash donations and Murray Bridge Wholesale Tyres fitting four new tyres on the Cioffis’ car.
Kobe – who was named after famous American basketballer Kobe Bryant – lives basketball 24/7, and it’s his dream to compete in a national competition.
“Basketball is really fun!” Kobe said.
“It’s hard work, but I’m determined to do my best.
“I’m excited to go to Victoria: I’ll get to play lots of games.”
The Cioffis had unexpected costs in having to organise this trip for Kobe so quickly, including needing new car tyres to keep everyone safe, Mr Cioffi said.
“I’m not willing to drive 1200ks without new tyres and be stuck in another state,” he said.
The Cioffis hoped that a local tyre business could donate four new tyres for their car, and Murray Bridge Wholesale Tyres came to the rescue.
Kobe plays for the Eastern Mavericks basketball club, which is based in Mt Barker and began as a combined Murray Bridge and Mt Lofty team.
Mr Cioffi played for the same team, and he knows how important competing in a national competition can be.
“I’ve done it myself, and he’ll learn a lot of new talents and skills,” he said.
Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories – subscribe today.
