On Sunday, April 3, Helping Hoops hosted our first ever Helping Hoops tournament for kids with special needs. The Croxton-Broadmeadows Tournament saw four teams made up of over 20 participants from our Croxton and Broadmeadows programs, which have run every week of the school term from October 2010.
For many, the tournament, which was held at Croxton Special School, was their first experience of competitive basketball, and the children left the gym at the end of the day with a feel of accomplishment that stretches far beyond the basketball court. The event was also a great opportunity to include families and establish an even stronger sense of community among all those involved with Helping Hoops. The children enjoyed playing to a full gymnasium of spectators, and the families loved cheering on their kids as they showed their abilities.
Coach Kevin, who runs both the Croxton and Broadmeadows programs, was especially pleased to see the skills, sportsmanship and overall values he has been teaching on display during the event. Seeing the progress of the children, as players but also as people, is particularly rewarding, and events such the tournament provide a forum for showcasing just what is possible with our kids.
Thanks to the volunteers, staff and Coach Kevin for making the day a huge success. And thanks to the families and children for turning up and giving their time and energy on and off the court.
We look forward to the second installment of the Croxton-Broadmeadows Tournament, which is planned for September, 2016.
