Liam McNally
A basketball program that works to get kids and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities involved in the sport in Melton and Bacchus Marsh is seeking volunteer coaches.
Specialist Hoops Basketball founder and managing director launched the program when she was just 16 years old.
In the past five years, it has grown into an organisation with almost 90 players who compete in able bodied and wheelchair basketball weekly at Cobblebank Stadium and Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre.
Ms Attard said she started the program when in her work as a basketball coach and referee she saw there was a lack of opportunities for basketball players with disabilities to play after a certain age.
“Coaching within our group is such a rewarding experience… If you’ve had a bad week and come to the program every single person is so excited to be there,” she said.
“Everyone is smiling and reaching new goals, it makes you feel so proud and happy that you forget about everything that’s happened… you’re focusing on being in the moment and being in an environment that’s inclusive and provides a sense of belonging.”
Ms Attard said that coaches need a working with children’s check, other than that anyone who can offer consistency, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and meet new people “will always be welcome”.
“We’re all about inclusion and providing a place where no one gets left behind, and if anyone is looking to give back to a community, Specialist Hoops is such a great place to do so,” she said.
Specialist Hoops runs programs at Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre on Tuesdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm, with wheelchair basketball on Sundays 3pm-4m. Cobblebank’s program runs on Fridays 4.30pm-5.30pm.
Details: info@specialisthoops.org.au
