Harmony through hoops

The Adelaide 36ers will deliver a program for young migrants, refugees and others facing social isolation after receiving a state government grant to support the initiative.

Named Harmony Hoops, the program is aimed at fostering social cohesion, and building community unity and cultural understanding through basketball

The club’s not-for-profit community arm, the Shooting Hoops Foundation was successful in receiving a grant to deliver the program in partnership with the Australian Refugee Association, the City of Salisbury and the City of Playford.

Targeting culturally diverse young people between the ages of 12 and 17, the program will be free for participants and will focus on but not be limited to the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Adelaide 36ers General Manager of Social Impact and Community, Ross Wait, said the program would be delivered after school hours in eight-week blocks, and include weekly workshops and basketball clinics.

“We know that migrant and refugee communities can often feel isolated and lonely, and this has significant negative impacts on mental and physical health,” explained Mr Wait.

“Harmony Hoops aims to create a more inclusive, connected and active community for young people, addressing social isolation, discrimination, and cultural barriers while promoting physical activity and participation in sport.

“We are grateful to the State Government and to the Australian Refugee Association and the cities of Salisbury and Playford for their support with this initiative.

“Inclusion requires community buy-in, and this program will collaborate with councils, community organisations, schools and cultural associations to maximise participation and drive positive change.”

Weekly workshops will be complemented by basketball clinics and challenge-based games that provide opportunities for participants to engage in team-based activities that promote collaboration, physical fitness and build a love for active lifestyles.

New Development Player Magok Manyang took part in a recent session at Parafield Gardens.

At the end of each eight-week block, a Courts and Culture Night will be held to celebrate cultural diversity with food, activities, and cultural sharing. The event is aimed at helping foster a sense of belonging and unity among participants.

“We’re excited to partner with the Adelaide 36ers Shooting Hoops Foundation to launch Harmony Hoops,” said Australian Refugee Association CEO Chris Chalubek. 

“Through the power of sport and community this program helps young refugees break down the barriers that turn starting over into struggle.

“Young refugees can connect with peers, be active and more fully participate in their schools and communities.

“Sport’s universal nature ensures everyone can participate regardless of language, culture, or religion.”

As well as promoting active lifestyles, Harmony Hoops will nurture essential life skills, such as leadership, wellbeing, resilience, teamwork, and cultural awareness to help young people build confidence.

At the conclusion of each block, participants will be encouraged to form basketball teams together and continue their participation in basketball, with ongoing support from the Adelaide 36ers and the Australian Refugee Association. The program will culminate in a celebratory event at an Adelaide 36ers game, reinforcing a sense of achievement and community.

Harmony Hoops has been made possible thanks to a grant under the Active State Collaboration Program (ASCP), which saw the state government provide funding for 15 projects aimed at developing unique ways to get young people to be active.

Much of the $2.4 million in funding targets the critical 12 to 15 age group, which shows a decline in physical activity during the move to high school.

“These programs tackle the issues that can impact South Australians being active and having access to inclusive spaces,” said the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke MLC when announcing the grants.

“We are supporting clubs and organisations to deliver fit-for-purpose infrastructure to boost grassroots participation, with a strong focus in our regions.

“Getting young people to put their phones down requires an innovative approach, so it’s great to see so many new ideas to engage more children in physical activity – and build on the Government’s work in this area.”

Harmony Hoops has been running the first of its pilot workshops this term.