Capital Zone Basketball reaches high

Players and coaches alike were thrilled to learn that NZCT has awarded the Capital Zone Basketball Trust a grant of $133,000 for new basketball hoops ($98,000) and salaries ($35,000).

General Manager Damien Ekenasio says, “Our organisation provides portable hoops in schools and with the help of this grant from NZCT will be able to enhance this offering to Airtime Hoops that are adjustable for all mobility levels and weather-proof. High durability was always the priority, given the longevity of these resources.”

“This project has developed over the last three years as we have continued to deliver across a range of meaningful opportunities for all with a focus on women and girls to play basketball. With this funding from NZCT we will be able to deliver on our strategy to grow participation and activities across our community, including a new women's social competition and girl’s holiday camps.“

“We have recently helped coordinate & install our enhanced offering of "Hoops in Schools" in Arakura School, Wainuiomata, and Cannons Creek School, Porirua. We plan to install twenty new hoops, across schools and dormant community spaces in the greater Wellington region with a focus on areas of high need.”

“This is very important for our organisation, as we have clearly seen the impact these new hoops have had not only on the schools involved, but also on the wider community in terms of looking after these new and amazing resources, which they effectively own. We have seen big reductions in graffiti and vandalism when there is more community presence and usage.”

“Capital Zone Basketball is a charitable trust, established in 2016, to support local Basketball Associations across the Greater Wellington Region and to assist in utilising basketball as a medium and pathway for youth development. Our purpose is to enable access for participation and create pathways to achieve their full potential, while also allowing our tamariki and rangatahi a chance to enjoy a life-long love for exercise and movement through basketball.”

“We want to ensure that everybody, from all walks of life, has the chance to experience the enjoyment of getting on the basketball court!”