Dec
07
2017
STANDING TALL IN ADELAIDE
Charity Bounce and the Australian Basketballer’s Association have partnered to deliver the Stand Tall program in Adelaide for 22 students from Whyalla. FOUR-TIME Olympian Laura Hodges will deliver the program for the students from Nicolson Avenue Primary School (NAPS) and Memorial Oval Primary School (MOPS) this Sunday before they go to support the Adelaide 36ers for the opportunity of a lifetime.
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 is a special program for Charity Bounce as Chairman Steve Dunn is originally from Whyalla and also attended MOPS as a student. 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. Steve says “Basketball is bigger than just the game- it has the power to bring people of all ages, race and gender together as a great tool towards achieving positive outcomes – which in Charity Bounce’s case includes health, education and employment outcomes’
The students will travel to Adelaide for the Stand Tall initiative, which 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.
After the program delivered by Olympian Laura Hodges, the students will head to Titanium Security Arena to watch the Adelaide 36er’s v Breakers on December 10th. A big thanks to the Adelaide 36ers for supporting the program and providing tickets for all the students. Get your game tickets here…
Jeanette Cowan (Aboriginal Education Teacher at both schools) and Peta Sutton (Aboriginal Community Education Officer) have been incredible advocates for the students to access this ‘out of reach’ basketball experience in Adelaide. The students from Whyalla have also been greatly supported by Plaza Youth Whyalla, Intersport Whyalla and site leadership at both schools. The program is a great chance for Aboriginal children in the greater Whyalla community to demonstrate encouragement for one another, to celebrate their culture and time together, and above all else, to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Charity Bounce co-founder and Chairman Steve Dunn is originally from Whyalla (photo at the recent Stand Tall Central Australia tour).
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.
