Written articles
Tornadoes Lift the lid of the Match!
The Leader Nelson 6/10/2011
The Jack Robins Stadium echoed to the sound of the exciting final playoffs in the Fulton Hogan Basketball League last Sunday.
The scene was typical of every intense match. The only difference was many of the players giving their best on the court were supported learning students from surrounding schools and colleges.
Supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, the players thrive on participation and competition. Added impetus comes in the support from the wider basketball community, in particular Nelson’s NBL team, the Nelson Giants.
This year’s A grade Championship team, the Waimea Tornadoes, consisted of players that former Nelson Giants captain Ed Book coached throughout their years at Waimea College, took out the championship game with a convincing 42-24 win over the Bulls. Current Giants captain Phill Jones coaches Salisbury School’s Hot Peppers. It was no surprise when the girls proudly took out this season’s B Grade trophy. Their unbeaten season culminated with a 44-28 win over the Blue Sharks.
Ed said he was proud of the Waimea Tornadoes. ‘‘They have worked hard all year and challenged themselves outside of their comfort zone to improve their skills and work together as a team.’’ He thanked Paula Roberts and Rob Gould for their help and input into the team. ‘‘It was a team effort. The league provides opportunities for players to participate in a team sport where they excel to the best of their ability. ‘‘It has changed many of our students’ lives.’’
Not every one can win the championship, but the pride of the Nayland Thunder players was equal to all others when they were joined on court by guest player, Nelson Giant Bronson Berri. The smiles on the players’ faces showed their triumph in defeating the Coaches team by 44-41 points.
Giants manager Gary Williams has refereed again this season, including the two championship play-off games. ‘‘It’s great. The players enjoy the game so much. There’s great sportsmanship; players are extremely respectful to their coaches, the referees, and to each other. It also provides great social contact,’’ he said.
Tony Rampton, the Giants assistant coach and teacher at Henley primary school, has been a great role model and mentor to student and rookie player for WIS Transformers, Josh Thomas.
The League has been running for six years and is a leader in New Zealand as an inclusive sports organisation. It promotes ability and opportunity, and is primarily but not exclusively for players with supported learning needs over 11 years of age. Sixteen teams are in weekly competition.
The Fulton Hogan Junior Jammers skills and mini ball for seven to 10-year-olds starts in October.
Tornadoes Lift the lid of the Match!
The Leader Nelson 6/10/2011
The Jack Robins Stadium echoed to the sound of the exciting final playoffs in the Fulton Hogan Basketball League last Sunday.
The scene was typical of every intense match. The only difference was many of the players giving their best on the court were supported learning students from surrounding schools and colleges.
Supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, the players thrive on participation and competition. Added impetus comes in the support from the wider basketball community, in particular Nelson’s NBL team, the Nelson Giants.
This year’s A grade Championship team, the Waimea Tornadoes, consisted of players that former Nelson Giants captain Ed Book coached throughout their years at Waimea College, took out the championship game with a convincing 42-24 win over the Bulls. Current Giants captain Phill Jones coaches Salisbury School’s Hot Peppers. It was no surprise when the girls proudly took out this season’s B Grade trophy. Their unbeaten season culminated with a 44-28 win over the Blue Sharks.
Ed said he was proud of the Waimea Tornadoes. ‘‘They have worked hard all year and challenged themselves outside of their comfort zone to improve their skills and work together as a team.’’ He thanked Paula Roberts and Rob Gould for their help and input into the team. ‘‘It was a team effort. The league provides opportunities for players to participate in a team sport where they excel to the best of their ability. ‘‘It has changed many of our students’ lives.’’
Not every one can win the championship, but the pride of the Nayland Thunder players was equal to all others when they were joined on court by guest player, Nelson Giant Bronson Berri. The smiles on the players’ faces showed their triumph in defeating the Coaches team by 44-41 points.
Giants manager Gary Williams has refereed again this season, including the two championship play-off games. ‘‘It’s great. The players enjoy the game so much. There’s great sportsmanship; players are extremely respectful to their coaches, the referees, and to each other. It also provides great social contact,’’ he said.
Tony Rampton, the Giants assistant coach and teacher at Henley primary school, has been a great role model and mentor to student and rookie player for WIS Transformers, Josh Thomas.
The League has been running for six years and is a leader in New Zealand as an inclusive sports organisation. It promotes ability and opportunity, and is primarily but not exclusively for players with supported learning needs over 11 years of age. Sixteen teams are in weekly competition.
The Fulton Hogan Junior Jammers skills and mini ball for seven to 10-year-olds starts in October.