Lithgow's basketball stadium, affectionately known as the Lazerdome, has been the home of Lithgow basketball since 1981.
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It has now had a major refit and the Lithgow Basketball Association members gathered to celebrate the upgrade on Saturday, March 9.
Speaking at the event, NSW Basketball CEO Maria Nordstrom said Lithgow played a vital role in the creation of a NSW basketball league in 1938.
"Did you know that basketball in NSW actually started here in Lithgow?" she asked the crowd.
"In 1938, Lithgow was the founding association and this is where it all began. That is why we still have a very special heart at Basketball NSW for this town.
"What this new stadium - this new upgraded facility - will enable you to do is to expand on the programs that you run here."
Ms Nordstrom said to have nine representative teams in the Waratah League, including juniors and seniors was "exceptional for a town this size".
A $225,000 NSW Government grant, as well as contributions from the association and Lithgow City Council, was spent on a complete refurbishment of the council-owned building, with new retractable hoops, seating, lights, scoreboard and flooring.
The grant was part of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities fund.
Lithgow Basketball Association chairman Richard Marjoram welcomed those who had come along to the celebration - and hoped they were enjoying the padding "for those who used to come along and sit on those hard wooden seats".
He recognised council's contribution and the volunteers who helped the upgrade happen.
"I want to say thank you to all the people who made this possible," he said.
"To the girls and boys who are here today, and new ones into the future, respect what we've gained, look after the equipment and most importantly make new friends, and enjoy this wonderful active game of ours."
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said sport continued to be important in the act of building communities.
"Sport is an activity that defines communities," he said.
"Every Lithgow Lazer player that goes out across NSW, they carry on their sleeve the community of Lithgow.
"When you play, you know that your community supports you."
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