Aug
24
2016
UCLA Bruins inspire Western Sydney Youth
What a night to remember for some of the young people from Western Sydney when the visiting UCLA Bruins took to the court to play the Sydney Uni Lions last night. Charity Bounce, in partnership with Emerton Youth Centre, brought a group of youth to the game from the Mount Druitt area following the Hoop Dreams program hosted for them last week in Emerton with NBL Legend Cal Bruton, Celebrity Chef Sean Connolly and former NBA and NBL Executive Bret Mactavish. The young people that had participated in the program last week were invited to see an amazing college game and were given the opportunity to hit the court to take part in a shootout competition. Meeting and greeting some of the stars of both teams after the game proved to be that added bonus to the evening.
The youth had the opportunity to watch UCLA’s Lonzo Ball, projected to be top 5 NBA draft pick for 2017, deliver a dominant basketball masterclass.
Quarter time became a dream come true for two of the Hoop Dreams participants, Warren and Phoenix, who were given the opportunity to compete against each other in a lay-up, free throw, and 3-point competition in front of a packed stadium. The duo brought the stadium to its feet in support of their effort and received applause as if they were the ones who were the stars of the night.
Sydney Uni Lions took on a brave fight (up the brave fight), but the class of UCLA fully showed on the scoreboard at halftime where they led 58 to 28. Sydney Kings champion Jason Cadee, a Western Sydney boy, also surprised the young people with an impromptu welcome and managed to pose with them for some memorable selfies. A big thanks to Jason Cadee who has always been a champion at our programs and willing to get involved to make a difference whenever he can.
UCLA Bruins continued their domination in the last two-quarters and finished with their 2016 college average of over 100 points per game winning 123 to 76. A 58 to 33 rebound count and seven players scoring double figures for UCLA Bruins proved the difference on the night.
Charity Bounce would like to thank Sydney University Basketball and Sydney Uni Lions coach Tim Hudson for making the night possible.
The Hoop Dreams programme is funded by the Australia Government Department of Employment as part of the
Empowering YOUth Initiative
Sydney Kings star Jason Cadee joined us to say hi and pose for a few selfies.
Thanks to the Sydney Uni Lions for the VIP access to watch UCLA in action.
Eban Hyams was another surpise for the young people. Eban is an Indian-Israeli-Australian professional basketballer who has been working with the NBA on Indian basketball outreach and had some great words of encouragement for the youth.
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.
