The Fulton Hogan Basketball League - A Working Model of Inclusive Sport 2013
The Inclusive Sport Trust was established two years ago to govern the very successful Fulton Hogan Basketball League along with its more recent junior development programmes in partnership with the Nelson Basketball Association and Nelson Bays Football.
The Trust's key values are: "that all members have the opportunity to participate alongside their peers; to enjoy playing sport at their ability level; to be welcome and to belong as rightful members of the community." The Fulton Hogan Basketball League was established in 2006 as part of the Nelson Basketball Association (NBA). All players are registered NBA members. Established primarily, but not exclusively for players with supported learning needs, the success of the league is very evident with its growth over the last eight years from eight teams to eighteen. A combination of the players ability and the league providing an opportunity to compete, has resulted in success all round, from both the players and their supporters perspectives. For many this has been their first opportunity and experience of learning and playing sport. Players also have the opportunity to become volunteers themselves by assisting on the score bench and coaching. The league also offers a pathway onto other leagues as players' confidence and skills increase. Players count down to Sunday games and Jack Robins Stadium is abuzz with colourful uniforms and exciting competition. Cheerful, noisy spectators come along to watch this valuable community event and great sport being played. For the more experienced players a summer league provides competition all year round. An annual highlight is league teams playing a half time game at the Nelson Giants NBL game, watched by over a thousand people. The league is very much part of the community with players and volunteers getting together and participating in other community events. For example the 'Orange Roughies' and 'Blue Sharks' teams get actively involved in the annual Big Beach Clean-up, and with their array of team colours Team Rainbow Connection signed up to take part in the Nelson Cancer Society's Relay for Life. If you or someone you know would like to get involved or would like more information please check out our website www.inclusivesport.org.nz . We look forward to hearing from you.
Addendum:CCS Disability Action Service User Ethan Nicholls who is playing his 4th season in the league says the skills he has learnt since he started playing have been amazing. He also says that the best things about the league is being part of team, and having fun with his team mates.
Published July 2013
The Inclusive Sport Trust was established two years ago to govern the very successful Fulton Hogan Basketball League along with its more recent junior development programmes in partnership with the Nelson Basketball Association and Nelson Bays Football.
The Trust's key values are: "that all members have the opportunity to participate alongside their peers; to enjoy playing sport at their ability level; to be welcome and to belong as rightful members of the community." The Fulton Hogan Basketball League was established in 2006 as part of the Nelson Basketball Association (NBA). All players are registered NBA members. Established primarily, but not exclusively for players with supported learning needs, the success of the league is very evident with its growth over the last eight years from eight teams to eighteen. A combination of the players ability and the league providing an opportunity to compete, has resulted in success all round, from both the players and their supporters perspectives. For many this has been their first opportunity and experience of learning and playing sport. Players also have the opportunity to become volunteers themselves by assisting on the score bench and coaching. The league also offers a pathway onto other leagues as players' confidence and skills increase. Players count down to Sunday games and Jack Robins Stadium is abuzz with colourful uniforms and exciting competition. Cheerful, noisy spectators come along to watch this valuable community event and great sport being played. For the more experienced players a summer league provides competition all year round. An annual highlight is league teams playing a half time game at the Nelson Giants NBL game, watched by over a thousand people. The league is very much part of the community with players and volunteers getting together and participating in other community events. For example the 'Orange Roughies' and 'Blue Sharks' teams get actively involved in the annual Big Beach Clean-up, and with their array of team colours Team Rainbow Connection signed up to take part in the Nelson Cancer Society's Relay for Life. If you or someone you know would like to get involved or would like more information please check out our website www.inclusivesport.org.nz . We look forward to hearing from you.
Addendum:CCS Disability Action Service User Ethan Nicholls who is playing his 4th season in the league says the skills he has learnt since he started playing have been amazing. He also says that the best things about the league is being part of team, and having fun with his team mates.
Published July 2013