The Auckland Tuatara have announced a new initiative set up to help introduce the skills, opportunities and life lessons basketball presents in the Auckland region.
Auckland Rising Stars Basketball – the community arm of the Auckland Tuatara – will run in-schools programs, teaching the fundamentals of sport, being healthy and active, teamwork, resilience, bravery and leadership all while using basketball as a fun vehicle.
The new organisation will be headed up by respected coach Chantal Pompallier and Auckland Tuatara basketball legend Rob Loe.
It will see Pompallier and Loe in schools each week, introducing kids to the sport of basketball and teaching them valuable lessons that can be applied to everyday life.
Auckland Tuatara owner Regan Wood heralded the move as an obvious fit and something that would benefit the community, schools, the sport of basketball and ultimately the Auckland Tuatara franchise itself.
“Ever since we acquired a Sal’s NBL licence we recognised the need to use our reach to play an active role in the community,” Wood said.
“Basketball is a fun way to help kids learn some of life’s most important lessons and help make them better, healthier and more confident people.
“It is great to be able to utilise the amazing talents of Chanel and Rob in a role where they will have a significant impact.
“All of the groups we have spoken to since getting involved in basketball have loved the idea of us running community programs – from the local associations, sponsors, Basketball New Zealand and even our players and fans.
“Now we get a chance to do that and play our part in growing the sport and helping our next generation.”
The program will visit their first schools before the end of August and will grow over the coming weeks.