All-abilities athletes score hoops clinics

FOR forty-five minutes a week, an All-Abilities Hoops clinic is set to welcome children with a disability to strengthen their basketball skills.

Designed for young people between the ages of five and 12, the new seven-week program will operate at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre and offering a safe introduction to basketball for kids of all abilities.

Ballarat Basketball administration officer Joel Anderson said the association is working to insure they provide an inclusive space with coaching opportunities to anyone that wants to play the game.

“In conjunction with Sports Central, we want to offer non-mainstream programs for children living with a disability to get into sport, because there’s been a gap that needs to be addressed,” he said.

“There are a couple of Access All-Abilities Ballarat programs in other sports, like netball and football, but it’s been lacking in basketball. It’s important to give everyone a go and give them a chance to pursue a sport that they enjoy.”

Volunteer coaches will provide basic skills sessions to small groups of children who have similar abilities, and gather information from these athletes, their parents and carers about how best to cater to their needs.

“We have many volunteer coaches ready to go, so the kids that do come along will be well looked after, have a great time, and have every opportunity to learn,” Mr Anderson said.

“Every child is different. Some might just enjoy the 45 minutes a week, and then others might be looking to get more involved in games.

“Depending on the uptake, it would be great to create some competitive teams down the line.”

There will be a sensory space beside the courts in case any light or sound-sensitive participants need a moment of quiet.

All-Abilities Hoops is scheduled for Thursdays, 4pm to 4.45pm at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, starting tomorrow, 5 August.

The full program cost is $70. It will run from the second week of each school term.

Visit bit.ly/3rDuTgb, call 5338 1220, or email [email protected] to register.