Published on Wednesday, 24 November 2021 at 12:06:37 PM
L-R: Courtney Holt, Shire of Coolgardie Sports Development Officer and Coach, Vicki Kearns, Parent and team sponsor, Under 14's team.
In a first for Kambalda, the Shire of Coolgardie has established a kids basketball team to play in the Kalgoorlie Boulder Basketball Associations Competition.
The Under 14 boys team is coordinated, coached and sponsored by the Shire of Coolgardie with major support from Kearns Mining who sponsored the team’s entry into the competition by paying their registration fees. The Shire has rounded off sponsorship by supplying uniforms and the Shire bus that transports the team each week into Kalgoorlie to compete.
When asked why Kearns Mining offered to sponsor the team, Vicki Kearns who has a son in the team said “the kids really wanted to play and a couple of kids hadn’t paid so we offered to pay the whole team’s fees”. She added “they’re just so excited, it gives them something to do and they get to interact with teams from out of town and make new friends. The kids just love it!”
Parent Kate Davies said her son, Levi, is excited to be part of the team and commends the Shire for their support.
“Levi has played before in Perth. He loves playing basketball and he looks forward to both the training and games. I think the Shire does a great job at communicating with the parents and keeping things friendly and up to date, said Mrs Davies.
Levi said “I like being part of a team because I get to play basketball more and it’s more competitive than on my own. The Shire does a good job at training and preparing us for the games.””
Shire Coach and Sports Development Officer, Courtney Holt said the sports program gives the young residents an opportunity to get active and develop valuable lifelong skills.
“The team provides the kids a safe but competitive environment which can build confidence, skills and rapport with the same peer group especially for those who haven’t played before,” said Ms Holt.
Shire President Malcolm Cullen is in full support of the initiative “ If you can keep kids occupied, engaged and having fun it goes a long way to creating a wholesome community and I applaud the Kambalda Community Recreation Centre’s staff as well as the parent volunteers who help to make this possible”
The season runs through to next year culminating in finals in March.
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