Dec
11
2017
FOUR-TIME OLYMPIAN LAURA HODGES INSPIRES IN ADELAIDE
FOUR-TIME Olympian Laura Hodges delivered the Stand Tall program in Adelaide for Aboriginal students from Whyalla yesterday. The program was a partnership event for Charity Bounce and the Australian Basketballer’s Association with support from the Adelaide 36ers and Adelaide Lightning basketball teams.
The program was delivered at Christies Beach High School with students from Nicolson Avenue Primary School (NAPS) and Memorial Oval Primary School (MOPS)in Whyalla before they got to watch the Adelaide 36ers take on the New Zealand Breakers at Titanium Security Arena. A big thanks to Olympian Laura Hodges and the Adelaide 36ers for supporting the program and providing the opportunity of a lifetime for the students.
The students were selected for the program based on their attendance, engagement at school, their enthusiasm to challenge themselves in the class room and the pride they have in their culture, making them positive role models for other Aboriginal children within their school community. All this and of course their love of basketball too.
It was a special program for Charity Bounce as Chairman Steve Dunn is originally from Whyalla and attended MOPS as a student himself. Through his parents commitment to the game in Whyalla, Steve developed his own love of basketball, eventually becoming an owner of the Sydney Kings and Board member of the NBL, and more recently a co-founder and Chairman of Charity Bounce.
The Stand Tall initiative consists of strengths-based basketball programs for young people, using basketball as a means of engagement and providing an impacting experience that inspires participants to set goals and be motivated about their own future.
Jeanette Cowan (Aboriginal Education Teacher at both schools) and Peta Sutton (Aboriginal Community Education Officer) were incredible advocates for the students to access this ‘out of reach’ basketball experience as a chance for Aboriginal students to demonstrate encouragement for one another, to celebrate their culture and time together, and above all else, to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Four time Olympian Laura Hodges delivers a Stand Tall program in Adelaide.
Laura Hodges inspiring the students on court at the Stand Tall program.
Laura Hodges shared about the Olympic values at the Stand Tall program to encourage the students.
Thanks to the Adelaide 36ers for providing tickets to the game. The students were excited to support the team after the Stand Tall program.
The students got to see an Adelaide 36ers game and meet Josh Childress and some of the players after the Adelaide 36ers win against the New Zealand Breakers.
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.
