Charity Bounce launch a Slam Dunk

Charity Bounce launch a Slam Dunk

The Charity Bounce Official launch yesterday at the Jr NBA Clinic, with American NBA Basketball legend Bruce Bowen was a slam dunk. Bruce Bowen, the three-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs (2003, 2005, 2007) and five-time NBA All-Defensive team selection inspired the young people both on and off the court.

Bowen was joined by forty disadvantaged youth, along with stars of the Sydney Kings and their assistant coach Lanard Copeland, the Sydney Uni Flames, former NRL great Anthony Mundine and the Sydney Swan’s Aliir Aliir at King George V Recreation Centre for the special hands on Jr NBA Clinic.

 

Aligning with Charity Bounce’s innovative Hoop Dreams program, which involves activities in the key areas of employment, cultural art, basketball pathways, and leadership programs, the Jnr NBA clinic was being delivered in partnership with the Sydney Kings, giving their athletes the opportunity to help motivate and inspire young people to find a brighter future. Charity Bounce Co-founder and CEO Ian Heininger said, “Everyone needs inspiration at some point, whether on the court or in life. Most disadvantaged young people don’t have a great support network they can call on, which is what Charity Bounce aims to be for those most in need, providing access to ‘out of reach’ opportunities.”

 

The Jr NBA Clinic definitely fit the bill for an ‘out of reach’ opportunity with the event brought for the first time to Sydney for the 14 to 17 year olds from 15 multicultural backgrounds.  Three times NBA champion Bruce Bowen’s clinic for 40 students was full of energy and fun and was supported by players from the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames, with a guest appearance of Sudanese Aliir Aliir from the Sydney Swans. Following the clinic was lunch and then a leadership workshop lead by Bowen who reflected on his own life wanting to inspire the students towards rewarding outcomes in life. His key messages included that your past does not dictate your future, keeping a positive attitude despite your circumstances and never quitting or giving up on yourself.

 

Charity Bounce would like to extend a big thank you to the Jr NBA, Bruce Bowen, the Sydney Kings and the Sydney Flames for partnering with us. We also want to thank some of the supporters who contributed to make the event possible, including the NSW Office of Sport, Aboriginal Affairs NSW, the Department of Employment, KIA Australia and our generous donor partners.

 

 

 

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.