Basketball NSW, in partnership with the NSW Office of Sport, held the first free 8-week Active Fest basketball program (under the Active Fest funding for 2023), which came to an end at the beginning of September.
The programs were held in Lismore, Kempsey and Albury, and filled with fun, fitness and laughter. All participants, coaches and everyone involved had a truly enjoyable time, and each week was a special experience.
“We just really wanted to provide opportunities for intellectual disability kids and their carers,” said Lauren King, Basketball NSW’s Regional Development Officer (Far North).
Having a disability did not stop any of the athletes from hitting the court and learning the basics of basketball throughout the all-inclusive and all-abilities initiative.
26 year old Liam Reen from Ballina was among those involved, and said, “It was really interesting, and we learnt a lot of skills, [I] hit my first 3-pointer and it was pretty good.”
The programs included warm-up activities, drills and mini-games designed to increase physical activity levels and improve skill development, under the guidance of experienced coaches in a safe, community atmosphere.
At the final session of the program, participants were presented with a medal and a basketball to keep, to remind them of the skills and fun they had, and to be able to practice their newfound skills in their own time.
The Active Fest event series are funded by the NSW Government and provide financial support, assistance and participation opportunities for communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Basketball NSW would like to thank the NSW Office of Sport, Lismore Basketball, Melville High School and Albury PCYC for their contributions, efforts and help to bring Active Fest to life!
We look forward to the future, and bringing more programs like this across New South Wales.
Check out a clip from Alexandra Rees & NBN News, at the final week of Active Fest in Lismore HERE.
Check out the photo gallery HERE.