Oct
26
2016
CARFINO ON THE COURT WITH SYDNEY YOUTH
The City of Sydney youth hit the basketball courts at Prince Alfred Park next to Central Station yesterday with a Sydney Kings legend. Stepping onto the court alongside the youth was one of the city’s favourite NBL Hall of Famers and Fox Sports basketball commentator Steve Carfino who teamed up with Charity Bounce to run a youth engagement basketball program with community partners from the inner city.
The Hoop Dreams Stand Tall program began with Steve teaching the young people basketball skills which encouraged life lessons such as maintaining a positive attitude and inclusiveness and teamwork to achieve positive outcomes. The young people worked hard on the court before playing an action packed round robin event, with so much enthusiasm that the event went well into overtime. A free throw shoot out competition came down to a close finish with the ultimate winner being awarded a Sydney Kings jersey. Even as the afternoon eventually wrapped up many young people continued to shoot hoops sharing their love of the sport.
Five young people were rewarded for their positive engagement and hard work during the program and will accompany Charity Bounce to a home Sydney Kings game at Qudos Bank Arena in November.
Charity Bounce’s Youth Support Worker, Jamie Lee, said “Growing up in this area I understand the importance of sport to inspire local young people to engage with others in the community and through our basketball programs we are now able to promote education and employment pathways that can make a huge difference. It a privilege to be able to deliver a program which can support young people in the area.”
Charity Bounce is always focussed on partnering with local community services, with a range involved in supporting the event, including the PCYC, Tribal Warrior, Alexandria Park High, Youth off the Streets and the City of Sydney who are all assisting in inspiring positive change in young people of Sydney.
Charity Bounce’s Stand Tall initiative consists of basketball programs for young people, with a focus on Indigenous and Culturally Diverse groups, including newly arrived refugees. This initiative aims to deliver the Stand Tall strength based programs to improve education outcomes and develop life and leadership skills, using basketball as a means of engagement and providing an impacting experience that inspires them to set goals and be motivated about their own future. Since launching in June 2016, the Hoop Dreams employment program has seen more than 15 young people starting jobs with new corporate employment partners and more than 70 participants in its Hoop Dreams activities.
NBL Legend Steve Carfino sharing some of his experience and wisdom.
NBL Legend Steve Carfino helping young people to Stand Tall.
There was reports in the area of 3-point shots so the local police dropped by to check it out and stayed for a while to see training drills, Steve Carfino style.
Hoop Dreams Stand Tall participants had a great day and now its time to work on some work options. Thanks to all the amazing participants that came along.
Charity Bounce is a not for profit organisation that exists to inspire positive change to overcome disadvantage for individuals and communities. With a focus on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and Culturally Diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees we aim to move people toward a more positive future through the development of sports, the arts, health, education and employment focused social programs. The programs are delivered in partnership with professional athletes to motivate change and inspire.
The Hoop Dreams program is funded by the Australia Government Department of Employment as part of the Empowering YOUth Initiative.
