A partnership with a purpose

Rockingham PCYC has partnered with Reclink Australia and APM Communities to deliver Hoop Stars, a unique All Abilities Basketball Program for people living with disability.

The 10-week socially inclusive program for people aged 16 years and over provides an opportunity for participants to get involved in fun and healthy sport and recreational activities that they can’t access anywhere else.

Identifying the need for more recreational programs for people living with disability in the Rockingham area, PCYC Centre Manager Justin Sambell said it was important to develop sustainable partnerships between community organisations, in order to provide opportunities for all local young people.

“We are very proud to be working with a number of community partners to deliver such an important program” Mr Sambell said.

Reclink Australia provides evidence-based sport and art programs to disadvantaged Australians to create socially inclusive, life-changing opportunities.

Simone Ireland, Reclink Community Sports Coordinator said the partnership with Rockingham PCYC stimulates improved health and wellbeing and social skills for all program participants.

“With the funding support of the Department of Local Government, Sports and Culture and Healthways, Reclink Australia are proud to be able to offer inclusive opportunities for Rockingham community members in partnership with PCYC”, Mrs Ireland said.

“I’m very fortunate to witness people’s lives improve as a direct result of being included in such a positive, vibrant program”, Mrs Ireland concluded.

The program is also supported by APM Communities Rockingham, who fund a fully qualified basketball coach to deliver the program, as part of their aim to increase inclusivity through programs that provide opportunities for people living with a disability.

Mr Sambell encourages people living with disability in the local area to get involved in the program.  “Basketball develops motor skills, improves mental health and provides the opportunity for participants to make new friends”, Mr Sambell concluded.