HELPING Hoops Dandenong is moving to a new court.
The free social inclusion basketball program will start its 2013 season at Noble Park Community Centre on 30 January following a year at Dandenong South Primary School.
Helping Hoops founder Adam McKay said improved community visibility was among reasons for relocating.
“This year it’s about getting out there and this would really help,” he said.
The program’s mostly aimed at multicultural youth, many from refugee backgrounds.
“But it’s about social inclusion so it’s open to all,” Mr McKay said.
“Come down and meet us, have a bounce.
“It’s not only about basketball, but creating good citizens.”
He said Helping Hoops was designed to encourage leadership, discipline, goal-setting and social inclusion.
“But it’s a lot of fun and helps kids improve their skills on the court,” he said.
Mr McKay started the program “because there was nothing else like it”.
It’s not team-based or competitive. Instead its focus is on building good people.
It’s now in its third year and has six programs across Melbourne.
Mr McKay said it was a safe environment where parents could send their kids, and an activity to keep them out of trouble and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
“They need to stop playing basketball on the X-Box and bounce a ball around,” he said.
He said parents could also tell those running the program where they thought their child was lacking, and improving these areas would be a focus.
“It can be used as a tool or vehicle to help their kids,” he said.
Coach Omar Coles played college ball in the USA and professional basketball in Canada.
Five years of US Navy experience instilled the value of discipline and hard work, which he emphasises through Helping Hoops.
Helping Hoops will run at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park, from 5pm to 7pm every Wednesday from 30 January.
The program needs community volunteers and sponsorship.
Visit helpinghoops.com.au for more information or to get involved.
