Basketball NSW (BNSW) is marking a major milestone this month, celebrating two years since the launch of its Assist All Hoops program, an initiative that has now engaged more than 8,400 people across the state’s basketball community.
The program’s growth has been made possible in part through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, support that has removed significant barriers to entry and helped associations open their doors wider than ever before.
BNSW, Interim CEO, David Simpson, said the milestone reflects the collective commitment of associations, volunteers, partners and the wider basketball community to creating a more inclusive sport.
“Reaching this milestone is a genuine credit to our associations, volunteers and partners,” said David.
“Assist All Hoops was always about making sure everyone has a place on the court, and to see over 8,400 people engaged in just two years shows how much our community wanted this. We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Government for backing us on this journey, their support has been instrumental in breaking down the barriers that too often keep people out of sport.”
Today, 15 associations across NSW now deliver a dedicated inclusion program as part of their broader offering, a number Basketball NSW is proud of, and one it’s determined to keep growing as it works with more associations to follow suit.
Two new ambassadors join the program
BNSW is also proud to announce that mother and son duo Kerri and Izacc Francis have joined Assist All Hoops as program ambassadors.
Together, they will help drive the program further across the state and support BNSW in building a deeper understanding of how the sport can be more welcoming and inclusive for people with intellectual impairments.
Izacc Francis, who is autistic, said he hopes his story will encourage others to see that disability should never be a barrier to participating in basketball.
“I’m proud of who I am, and I don’t think that should stop anyone from playing. Sport should be about letting people play at their own skill level, not defining them by their impairment or holding them back because of it”, said Izacc.
Having seen firsthand the impact basketball has had on her family, Izacc’s mum, Kerri Francis, who is also neurodivergent, said she is passionate about helping other families find the same sense of belonging.
“Basketball has given our family so much, and I want other families like ours to feel that same sense of belonging. Being neurodivergent myself, I understand how important it is to feel seen and understood, not just tolerated,” added Kerri.
“I’m looking forward to sharing our story and helping Basketball NSW listen more closely to families like ours, so more people can find the same home in this sport that we have.”
Kerri will focus her efforts in the advocacy space, working alongside BNSW on community engagement and storytelling to help share the experiences of players and families across the state.
While there’s plenty to celebrate, BNSW knows there’s still more work to do to ensure everyone feels they belong in the game. Every step forward creates new opportunities to learn, listen and improve, and BNSW is committed to continuing that journey alongside its community. The state has a proud history of success at both national and international level for players with intellectual impairments, and that pathway for players, coaches and officials only grows richer as the sport continues to evolve and become more inclusive for all.