The dream is for a team: All-abilities basketball

By Jay Bryce

Mar 18, 2024

Squad goals: The group during one of the sessions. Photo by Megan Fisher

A group of volunteers has got together to provide a basketball program for people with disability, with the long-term goal of creating a team to compete in an all-abilities league.

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What started as a shoot-around with just six participants has blossomed into a community that has gathered to play ball at the Shepparton Sports Stadium every Tuesday for the past five weeks.

Support workers from Shepparton Access, Ablemind, MandJ Infinity Care, GV Complete Care and more volunteer their time to help run the program, with support from local businesses and basketball organisations.

Support worker Nicole Grogan said it was amazing to see how engaged everyone was with the sport.

“We can’t get them to go home,” she said.

“They just love it.”

Due to the popularity of the current program, the group has announced it will continue, with eight weekly sessions running from April 16 onwards.

All smiles: Support worker Brittany Cottier, participant Geoffrey Morris and mentor Gary Driver. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton Gators junior coach Gary Driver acts as a mentor and helps facilitate the sessions.

He said the Shepparton Gators had given the participants uniforms to play in, reinforcing that they were part of the team.

Driver said he hoped to set up a practice match against the Benalla all-abilities team.

The long-term goal is to create an all-abilities team that will travel and compete in a league, just like the Shepparton Gators.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the next Greater Shepparton Basketball Association all-abilities program, you can register here: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/67c175