Basketball development fast tracked by VicHealth program

Young people in Heywood have been given a ‘slam dunk’ in their basketball development thanks to the success of a series of new initiatives. Through the VicHealth Local Government Partnership with the Glenelg Shire Council, basketball in Heywood has been re-energised with new programs, competitions and opportunities on offer for budding basketballers.

Over the past 12 months the VicHealth Local Government Partnership has supported:

• The reformation of the Heywood and District Basketball Association and ongoing support and advice;

• The rollout of the Heywood Hoops Program, a 10 week skill development program for children;

• Refurbishment of the Heywood Community Complex, including gym floor and new line marking;

• The re-introduction of a Junior Basketball Competition, including resources such as score board, portable rings, team jerseys and basketballs;

• Green Shirt Referee courses to upskill junior referees. The funding will continue throughout this year with another season of the Junior Basketball Competition planned, and a Junior Hoops skill development program for children to develop their skills before entering into the junior competition.

Heywood and District Basketball Association committee member Natasha Moore said it was fantastic to see basketball return in Heywood and with such momentum.

“It is incredible to see the Heywood Community Complex come alive again with the sound of young kids eager to learn and play basketball – it is a huge win for our town,” she said.

“We know how important sport is for young people in helping them remain connected and active, and the uptake from families to be involved has been tremendous.

“Our focus is on having a safe place for children to feel welcome and included no matter what their ability.”

“For the success to continue in the future we need the continued support from community.

You don’t need a basketball or sporting background to help, we have roles for people with IT skills and even just turning on the lights having the courts readcouncil and VicHealth for all their funding and support to help realise a future for junior basketball project officer Shae Husson acknowledged the support of the Heywood community, who have embraced the Partnership with open arms.

“We thank all those involved behind the scenes at the Heywood and District Basketball Association that have been instrumental to the success of these programs and competitions.

“It is thanks to these dedicated volunteers who organise coaches and rosters, unlock and lock the complex, and push the program directly out into their community that we’ve been able to have the response we’ve had.

“It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm and such high participation rates.

It is clear that there is an appetite for junior basketball in Heywood and it’s been rewarding to see the community make it happen thanks to the extra support and resources through the VicHealth Local Government Partnership.”

The VicHealth Local Government Partnership provides funding for the Glenelg Shire to work closely with the Heywood community and identify local health and wellbeing priorities for children and young people.

Overall, the partnership aims to help children in rural communities such as Heywood grow up active, connected and healthy.

For more information about the VicHealth Local Government Partnership, please visit https:// www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/ programs-and-projects/localgovernment-partnership