Young people in Heywood have been given a \u2018slam dunk\u2019 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. <\/p>\n
Over the past 12 months the VicHealth Local Government Partnership has supported: <\/p>\n
\u2022 The reformation of the Heywood and District Basketball Association and ongoing support and advice; <\/p>\n
\u2022 The rollout of the Heywood Hoops Program, a 10 week skill development program for children; <\/p>\n
\u2022 Refurbishment of the Heywood Community Complex, including gym floor and new line marking; <\/p>\n
\u2022 The re-introduction of a Junior Basketball Competition, including resources such as score board, portable rings, team jerseys and basketballs; <\/p>\n
\u2022 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. <\/p>\n
Heywood and District Basketball Association committee member Natasha Moore said it was fantastic to see basketball return in Heywood and with such momentum. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is incredible to see the Heywood Community Complex come alive again with the sound of young kids eager to learn and play basketball \u2013 it is a huge win for our town,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus is on having a safe place for children to feel welcome and included no matter what their ability.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cFor the success to continue in the future we need the continued support from community. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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\u2019ve been able to have the response we\u2019ve had. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm and such high participation rates. <\/p>\n
It is clear that there is an appetite for junior basketball in Heywood and it\u2019s been rewarding to see the community make it happen thanks to the extra support and resources through the VicHealth Local Government Partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Overall, the partnership aims to help children in rural communities such as Heywood grow up active, connected and healthy. <\/p>\n
For more information about the VicHealth Local Government Partnership, please visit https:\/\/ www.vichealth.vic.gov.au\/ programs-and-projects\/localgovernment-partnership<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Young people in Heywood have been given a \u2018slam dunk\u2019 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 […]<\/p>\n