Jammers Slam-Dunk at Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre

In an exciting collaboration with Auckland Basketball Services (ABS), Ōtāhuhu Pool & Leisure Centre have worked hard to deliver the awesome, new basketball-coaching clinic, “Ōtāhuhu Jammers”. Advertised as “A fun introduction to the fundamental skills of basketball”, the clinic quickly took off, with enquiries flooding in from enthusiastic parents and players alike. Describing it as an “overwhelming response”, the team at Ōtāhuhu were stoked to see such enthusiasm from the community.

Soon enough, Fridays at the clinic became the place to be. With over 50 tamariki enrolled between the two sessions, each an hour-long, it was clear that the team at Ōtāhuhu would have their hands full from the start. The Junior programme (6-9 years) kicked off from 4pm, followed by the Seniors (10-13 years) who took the court at 5pm.

In an exciting development, the tamariki have had the awesome opportunity to harness their skills and engage in a bit of friendly competition with their neighbours at Moana Nui a kiwa (Manukau Leisure) against their Mangere Heat Basketball team. Throughout the term, Coaches Lanaia and Zion have enjoyed working alongside the children and establishing that approachable connection, both agreeing that “The most rewarding part is being a part of the outstanding progression and the achievements made throughout the term”.

Barry Rhodes, Community Basketball Manager of ABSL, is immensely proud of the programme, “It has been great to partner with a community facility to make sure that basketball engagement is being made accessible within the community but also to help deliver a quality experience. We believe that this approach of supporting locally led initiatives is the key to successful and sustainable long-term engagement. We look forward to supporting the Ōtāhuhu Jammers both on and off the court as we move forward together and welcome all other local users to join us as well.”

CLM are so proud of the strong start that the clinic has made already, and we hope to keep up this momentum in the future as we continue Ōtāhuhu Jammers in 2023.