slam dunk with hoops in schools

New Zealand Breakers basketball player Tom Abercrombie is swarmed by fans from Muriwai School at the Hoops in Schools launch last week.

​Turanga Health hosted Hoops in Schools launches at four primary schools last week with help from New Zealand Breakers basketball player Tom Abercrombie. 
 
Hoops in Schools is a Basketball New Zealand programme that partners with schools, funders, local basketball associations and other basketball providers.
 
The concept puts more fit-for-purpose hoops in schools, so young people are more active and having fun playing hoops in their communities.
 
Abercrombie and the Turanga Health team visited Muriwai, Manutuke, Patutahi and Whatatutu Schools to the delight of students.
 
Meeting a sports star and slam dunk competitions were just some of the fun enjoyed by the students. “It was a huge moment for them to meet a real-life New Zealand sports star and Olympic athlete,” says Turanga Health population kaiwhakahaere Dallas Poi.
 
“A lack of suitable equipment and facilities is one of the biggest barriers to school sport participation so when the children see the new equipment, they are excited and want to start playing straight away.”
 
“We know the significant impact that it has had across other schools where hoops have been installed previously – increased participation, more students physically active and schools engaged with local associations. It’s a win for everyone.”

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Penelope Te Kani and Alysus Kerr practice their crossover dribble with New Zealand Breakers basketballer Tom Abercrombie at the Hoops in Schools launch at Te Kura o Patutahi.

Led by Ngariki Matiaha, Te Kura o Patutahi students practice their slam dunks.