SPORT 15
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2023
Hoops 4 Health – more than just basketball More than 250 people across Badhu, Warraber and Waiben communities finessed their basketball skills, whilst learning valuable health and wellbeing strategies through the internationally acclaimed Hoops 4 Health Program last week. Participants enjoyed workshops, basketball clinics and scrimmage games which offered opportunities for Indigenous Basketball All Stars and Hoops 4 Health Coaches Nathan Jawai and Deba George to teach and share health and wellbeing information.
Supported by Hoops 4 Health Director Timmy Duggan, Nathan and Deba facilitated sessions that embedded the Hoops 4 Health’s patterned, repetitive rhythmic activity model to teach self-regulation and engagement strategies that improve brain development. Hosting organisation, Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab’s Executive Officer, Marcella Ketchell commended the partnership with Hoops 4 Health and said the program was successful amongst jobseekers in the region. “The program is a positive engagement tool for jobseekers
to feel empowered in themselves to undertake new opportunities in training, employment and other projects within their communities,” she said. “But it wasn’t just about basketball. “The program was about leadership, health and mentoring with the backing of neuroscience.” Hoops 4 Health Director Timmy Duggan said bringing the program to the Torres Strait was made possible through the strong cultural connections that Nathan and Deba have with their communities. “These types of
connections forge the relationships that allow the Hoops 4 Health program to flourish in remote communities across the country,” he said. “Through the program, we practice a thing called trauma informed coaching to encourage young people to make better lifestyle and health decisions that can unlock their longterm potential.” The Hoops 4 Health team visited Badhu and Warraber schools with special guest ‘Hooper’, the Hoops 4 Health Male Mascot, who was a massive hit. Coach Nathan said
seeing happy and healthy children was very rewarding. “Through the program, we engage with disadvantaged kids in juvenile detention centres to help change their mindsets and outlooks on life,” he said. “Bringing the program home, meant we could engage with Torres Strait Islander children and share information not only about basketball, but life as well. “The program also instils leadership behaviours and inspires our young people, as we’re wanting to
develop our future leaders.” Ms Ketchell said the Hoops 4 Health program had created and strengthened Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab’s partnerships with new and existing stakeholders. “Much of the Hoops 4 Health success in the Torres Strait is a result of key relationships that MGNM have established within our communities,” she said. “We thank the
Wongai Basketball Association for partnering with us to deliver a Hoops 4 Health session for the youth on Waiben, and we acknowledge Badhulgaw Ngurpay Lag, Warraber Ngurpay Lag, Torres Strait Islanders Regional Council and Torres Shire Council for their support. “MGNM also thanks our teams on Badhu, Warraber and Waiben for organising and coordinating these community events.”
TN0230 8x2 local sports
Looking for more local sport? We’re happy to run it if we have it! Darts, ballgames, water sports, athletics ... whatever your game is, we’re keen! Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday! EMAIL: editor@torres.news
LEFT – Waiben Youth Clinic with Hoops 4 Health Timmy Duggan, Nathan Jawai and Deba George. ABOVE – Hoops 4 Health Timmy Duggan, Nathan Jawai and Deba George with Wongai Basketball Association Director Michael Loban. Pics by Godfrey Bero, MGNM.
THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA
FERRY SCHEDULE
JANUARY – MARCH 2023 Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: 8AM & 4PM * RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure
ABOVE – Hoops 4 Health Workshop at Badhu. RIGHT – Hoops 4 Health Workshop participants on Badhu.
“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”
PHONE 07 4069 1551
RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents, or by phone Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS • MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm
LUGGAGE • Passengers are required to take their luggage directly to the ferry with them at boarding time (1 piece under 20 kg, excess charges otherwise apply)
LEFT – Hooper (male mascot) with Warraber youth participants. ABOVE – Coaches Nathan Jawai and Deb George running a clinic with Warraber youth.
FREIGHT • Items under 20 kg carried, conditions apply. Please note freight may be delivered 1.30pm to 2pm to travel on the 2.30pm TI-Seisia Service or at other times delivered directly to the vessel and pre paid.
THE JETTY SHOP & OFFICE, ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY IS.
