‘Basketball for all’ the motto at Lara

THE northern suburbs sporting community is set to benefit from a range of basketball programs run by the local basketball club.

Lara Giants Basketball Club president Jason Ahearn said the club’s various programs were important in growing the game throughout Geelong’s north as the sport continued to explode in participation across the region.

“This program drop came about in giving an opportunity to kids that want to learn the basics of basketball through fun games and a safe environment,” Ahearn said.

“We have a good ratio of coaches to players, and it provides kids who might not necessarily have the opportunity to play sport, a chance to learn something new.

“It also allows us a club to give back to those who have supported us all these years.”

Children as young as three can take part in the Giants’ Pipsqueaks Program, a fun and interactive class designed to introduce the fine motor skills necessary to start playing the game.

Ahearn said more than 35 families attended the ‘come and try’ session held two weeks ago; a much larger number than anticipated.

Participants can then take their game to the next level in the Little Giants Program, which provides primary schoolers with all the skills necessary to play in a team before diving into local competition.

The Giants also boast one of just a few basketball-only programs that cater to children with special needs and disabilities with its Mighty Giants All Abilities Programs.

“In the northern suburbs, Leisure Networks Geelong is doing something similar out of Corio Leisure Centre, but that is designed more for the older kids who are higher functioning,” Ahearn said.

“Here at Lara, we’re trying to cater it to more of a primary school age group and there is definitely a need for it here in the region.”

Lara is a member of Geelong United Basketball Community Competitions and features 67 different teams from the Under 10s to the Seniors age groups, solidifying itself as one of the largest clubs in the region.

The club is working with the City of Greater Geelong on a feasibility study to secure a new basketball stadium at Beckley Park, which would be used as a space for Lara Basketball’s inclusive programs.

To find out more about the Giants’ programs, head to laragiants.org.au.