On Saturday, January 10, a lucky group of kids from the Helping Hoops Fitzroy program were treated to a day out at the Melbourne Boomers WNBL game. The day included a catered corporate box to watch the Boomers take on Adelaide, a half-time interview in front of the crowd, helping draw the raffle, and a chance to meet the players after the game.
In 2013, Helping Hoops ran its first Combine in partnership with the Longhorns Basketball Club with participants from the Helping Hoops Sunshine program. The basic concept of the Combine was to provide players, mostly from a South Sudanese Australian background, the opportunity to gain data on athletic performance and enjoy the experience of being treated as a student-athlete.
Kaleb and Wally are two 17-year-old young men with a dream of one day using their basketball skills to provide a life for them and their families. Both Kaleb and Wally have been participants in our Helping Hoops Sunshine program for over 4 years, and we have seen them grow into great athletes and people.
Twice a year, the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association (SSANBA) holds two national tournaments for their community, and Helping Hoops is proud to sponsor both tournaments through the contribution of volunteers, expertise, and items to assist.
All this season, local sports retailer Sportsmart have been donating $40 for every three-point shot made by Melbourne United. With 12 games played, the tally has crept up to $5,000, with still plenty more to come.
Children and young people attending Helping Hoops programs may come from migrant or refugee backgrounds, living in inner-city public housing estates, have an intellectual disability or special needs, or may be socioeconomically disadvantaged in some way.
Helping Hoops aims to build self-esteem, provide a sense of belonging and community, aid social cohesion, instill discipline, develop goal setting and leadership skills, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
2026 Copyright Helping Hoops
