Adjustable basketball rings at both Somerset and Wynyard basketball stadiums are a welcome asset that will enhance and promote junior participation in basketball.
The works have been jointly funded via the Communities, Sport and Recreation’s Improving the Playing Fields Grant Program (small grants program – $37,355) and the Waratah-Wynyard Council for a total value of approximately $75,000.
“It’s only been a few months since we announced the funding was secured, so it’s great to see the rings in place and ready to be used at these popular facilities,” Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said.
“Council is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles in the municipality and the new rings will help young people participate in basketball.”
The new rings can be lowered to suit Under-10 participants, while remaining in place. Previously, younger participants at Somerset played their matches on a smaller court, while Wynyard used the full court with transportable rings.
“We had little portable rings that we had to drag out onto the floor onto a carpet mat and we had to make sure they were weighted so they couldn’t fall over,” Scott Wilson, President of the Wynyard Basketball Association, said. “This will be far more professional and thorough.”
“To be able to give younger players the facility to score and work on their technique is an important part of having lower rings. As kids can now shoot on smaller rings, you see the child become more confident, and parents are more proactive.”
With more than 100 young players recently registered, Mr Wilson welcomed the upgrades.
“The biggest thing with the rings is the ability to host and accommodate the Under-10s,” Mr Wilson said.
“We have just registered 105 kids to play in the junior inter-town and local roster. That didn’t include our Mini Ballers, so there will be a lot more to come yet.”
Authorised for general media distribution by Shane Crawford, General Manager, Waratah-Wynyard Council on Friday, March 19, 2021.
