Squad has hoop dreams for recruits

A LOCAL community basketball team is seeking new members.

Special Olympics Basketball Ballarat provides opportunities for those with an intellectual disability to share their love of the sport while being active, social, and building self-esteem.

The team is part of the Special Olympics Network, which began in Australia in 1976 and aims to ensure people with an intellectual disability are not shut out of institutions.

“I think it’s just a great thing for kids with disabilities or adults to come and join in, make friends and have a great time,” said Nicole Strickland, Special Olympics Ballarat Basketball manager.

“I got involved because my daughter started playing about five years ago, and then three years ago they needed more help with getting stuff organised.

“I jumped in so my daughter could still play.”

Special Olympics Network currently sees more than 7000 participants nationally taking part in 18 sports, as well as top-level competitions like the World Games which is hosted every four years.

“I just hope they have fun, it’s all about enjoyment,” Strickland said.

“My daughter’s come a long way and she’s playing for Australia in Germany later in the year for the Special Olympics, so you never know what basketball’s going to do.

“I just love the smiles on their faces, you don’t realise it until you see it, the smallest little thing makes their day.

“I just think more people need to realise people with disabilities can still do things.”

Special Olympics basketball is played every Sunday 5pm at the Selkirk Stadium. To get involved email [email protected].