As the restrictions eased, Basketball NSW were excited to slowly reintroduce Walking Basketball to our communities across the state.
While a handful of the long-running Walking Basketball programs resumed in Thornleigh (Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Basketball Association) and Cooma (Cooma Basketball Association), we were also excited to pilot Walking Basketball at some new locations.
One success story was the four-week pilot program with Canterbury Bankstown Council and due to popular demand, the weekly sessions turned into a fun nine-week program with plans to continue into next year. This program on average had 15 participants per week, with some weeks seeing up to 22 participants getting in on the action. There was also a mix of seniors as well as people with disabilities who enjoyed coming together each week to learn some skills and play a fun and social game. A few comments from some of our participants:
“It’s a great way to have fun & I’d like to get more of my friends involved“ – Erica
“I enjoyed the fact it was a slower pace, else I wouldn’t be able to participate in Basketball. I was given instructions, so even though I had never played before I was able to learn how to play” – Sonya
“I love coming to walking basketball to learn new skills and get active, it’s a good way to keep healthy” – Barbra & George, Sunnyfield Disability Services
BNSW also started pilot programs in Alexandria, Ryde, Riverwood and Croydon Park during term 4.
Community Growth Programs Administrator, Amy Nolan expressed her plans to continue to build on the momentum that 2020 has shown by expanding the program into further areas next year.
“In 2021 we are expanding Walking Basketball even further as we have seen nothing but positive results and interest in the program from participants in both inclusion groups and people in the 50+ age bracket,” said Nolan.
“While we are already in discussions with a number of associations, it’s not too late to get involved to give it a go. You don’t need to be an association to run, walking basketball, you may be a club or any external group who wants to try something new. We can also offer one off come and try sessions through to short pilot programs which if successful can be extended.”
“We are always on the hunt for more coaches/facilitators so any individuals that enjoy getting active can also get in touch as we are looking to spread Walking Basketball statewide so need your assistance.”
CLICK HERE to be redirected to our Walking Basketball webpage with all our locations and times for the start of 2021.
Amy Nolan (Community Growth Programs Administrator)
[email protected] or 8765 8555