36ers and BHP combine in Coober Pedy

There were smiles all round and the sound of basketballs bouncing as the Adelaide 36ers visited Coober Pedy last week.

The visit was made possible thanks to a partnership between the club and BHP Copper SA.

It was the fifth trip the 36ers had made to the region over the past 12 months, but the first to Coober Pedy.

Previous visits have been to Roxby Downs.

BHP Copper SA has operations across South Australia, with strong roots in the communities – including in Coober Pedy - in which it operates.

Last week’s visit saw around 120 kids from reception to year 10 at Coober Pedy Area School take part in three separate skills sessions in the school gym before a free community clinic at the recently upgraded outdoor courts on the corner of Giles and Hocking Streets.

36ers centre Ben Griscti was part of the travelling party and had the children cheering as he showcased his talents with some monstrous slam dunks.

The club’s General Manager of Social Impact and Community, Ross Wait, was grateful to BHP for its support, saying the visit linked back to the Adelaide 36ers’ community purpose of inclusion, engagement and opportunities for all.

“It has been a great partnership with BHP that has taken the Adelaide 36ers to both Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy in recent times,” Wait said.

“We know that regional and remote communities miss out on opportunities to engage with professional sporting organisations, so we thank BHP for providing this opportunity for both the community and the Adelaide 36ers.

“Our players and staff get as much out of these visits as the community does.

“We really value the stories we hear and the overall engagement with the community.”

BHP Copper SA has underground mines at Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena, that feed a centralised smelter and refinery at Olympic Dam. There is also an exploration project at Oak Dam.