COORDINATORS behind Special Olympics Ballarat are inviting those with an intellectual disability to try their hand on the basketball court this weekend.<\/p>\n
The group are holding their first ever basketball come and try session on Sunday, and Special Olympics Ballarat basketball coordinator Nicole Strickland said it\u2019s about involving newcomers in an encouraging environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great atmosphere and it\u2019s great for socialising,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve got some kids that just come to training for the social aspect and don\u2019t even play any games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether they want to actually play, or they\u2019re there for the social side, that\u2019s fine. We cater for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
The session will entail basic drills and ball-handling, followed by a friendly game, and information on what the club is about.<\/p>\n
Special Olympics Ballarat currently has 15 basketball members and about the same amount for its swimming division.<\/p>\n
Ms Strickland said the team\u2019s drive for more members is being bolstered by the recent establishment of a dedicated basketball committee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve actually got support now whereas before I was having to do everything myself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to really promote and really increase the numbers and make what we do known.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important because we don\u2019t have full teams at the moment. We\u2019d love to have full teams when we go to tournaments and not have to combine with others who are short as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The come and try event will run from 10.30am to 12pm at Phoenix College, where the team meets every Sunday.<\/p>\n
For enquiries, contact Ms Strickland via ballarat.basketball@specialolympics.com.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COORDINATORS behind Special Olympics Ballarat are inviting those with an intellectual disability to try their hand on the basketball court this weekend. The group are holding their first ever basketball come and try session on Sunday, and Special Olympics Ballarat basketball coordinator Nicole Strickland said it\u2019s about involving newcomers in an encouraging environment. \u201cIt\u2019s a […]<\/p>\n